The players of the Iranian team wore a black parka during their national anthem on Tuesday in Austria, before a friendly match against Senegal (1-1). A symbolic gesture to protest against the ongoing repression in their country, where thousands of people are demonstrating after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old young woman, arrested by the morality police.
A strong and highly symbolic image. The players of the Iranian team wore a black parka, without logo or coat of arms, during their national anthem on Tuesday in Austria, before a friendly match against Senegal (1-1). Hiding their jerseys. A way to protest against the ongoing repression in their country. Thousands of people have been demonstrating since September 14 and the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old young woman arrested in Tehran by the morality police for not respecting the dress code imposed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The latter was accused of wearing her veil “inappropriately”.
Since 1979, women have been obliged to wear the hijab, a scarf that covers the hair and leaves the face visible. A dedicated police force enforces this rule in Iran, with tough methods, great impunity and rather random judgement. Those found to be violators receive fines, but they also risk prison terms or even lashes. A treatment that has become unbearable for part of the population, which is currently expressing its indignation in the street, despite the severe repression of the police.
A national movement with which the players of Carlos Queiroz fully associate themselves, despite the threats of sanctions. Before wearing this black parka, some Iranian footballers had already spoken publicly on the subject. This is particularly the case of Sardar Azmoun, scorer against Senegal.
“Shame on you, long live the women of Iran”
“The ultimate punishment is to be expelled from the national team, which is a small price to pay for even a single lock of hair from an Iranian woman. It will never be erased from our conscience. I have not fear of being ousted. Shame on you for killing the people so easily and long live the women of Iran. If they are Muslims, may God make me an infidel,”
The 27-year-old forward wrote. evolves in Leverkusen, in an Instagram story finally deleted.
It is in this difficult context that Iran is preparing for its 2022 World Cup. In Qatar, Ehsan Hajsafi’s teammates will face England, the United States and Wales in Group B.
Source: Alexandre Jaquin
