Iran players silent for anthem before World Cup defeat to England

The country has faced anti-government protests in recent weeks

England’s World Cup challenge got off to a strong start after the Three Lions eased past Iran in their opening Group B fixture in Doha, but the game was notable for what took place beforehand as the Iranian team decided not to sing their national anthem.

A brace from Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka, added to one each from Raheem Sterling, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish was enough for England to claim a 6-2 win and set a marker ahead of upcoming challenges against Wales and the United States. 

Iran managed a riposte from their talisman Medhi Taremi, who also added a late penalty. 

Despite an entertaining clash on the pitch, World Cup organizers Qatar and FIFA were faced with further criticism after an apparent error involving a ticket app led to a bottleneck outside the stadium which reportedly delayed the entry of large numbers of fans. 

And those who were in the stadium prior to the start of the game also saw another notable incident when Iran opted against singing their country’s national anthem in advance of kick-off, in what many will see as support for the wave of anti-government protests taking place in the country. 

Sections of Iranian supporters could also be heard appearing to jeer the anthem at the Khalifa International Stadium, with one Iranian woman seen weeping during the television broadcast.

Other signs and placards supporting women’s rights in Iran could also be seen in the crowd.

The Islamic nation has been gripped by protests which have been taking place within the country since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was killed while in police custody in September after allegedly breaking morality rules. 

Amini, who was of Iranian Kuridish descent, died three days after her detention in Tehran for a violation of the country’s dress code for women which included the mandatory wearing of a hijab headscarf. 

In advance of the game, Iranian star Alireza Jahanbakhsh said that his team would collectively decide whether or not to sing the anthem.

READ MORE: Iran captain criticizes English media before World Cup clash

The team’s decision to stay silent throughout the anthem came just hours after Iranian football icon Ali Daei added his support to the human rights protests taking place in his country.

Daei, 53, reportedly had his passport confiscated by Iranian authorities after declaring his support for the protestors, and even after his documents were returned to him after a week, he turned down an official invite from FIFA to attend the tournament.

“I prefer to express my sympathy with all the families who lost loved ones over these days. Instead of repression, violence and arresting the Iranian people, solve their problems,” Daei said. 

Iran’s next Group B fixture comes early on Friday against Wales, while England take on the United States in their second game later that day.