Iran's national soccer team chose not to sing their country's anthem before their World Cup match on November 21 in an apparent show of solidarity with anti-government protesters amid discontent over their reluctance to speak out. The players were solemn and silent as the anthem was played before the match with England at the Khalifa International Stadium, where thousands of Iranian fans in the stands shouted as the music rang out. Some jeered and others were seen making thumbs-down gestures.To read the original story by Reuters, click here.
Iranian World Cup Players Silent As Anthem Plays, Signaling Protest Support
All of the starting 11 Iranian players were silent as their national anthem was played at the Khalifa International Stadium.