Iran players stood in silence as their national anthem played
Iran declined to sing their national anthem before their World Cup match with England in an apparent expression of support for anti-government protests in their home country.
Some fans shouted and jeered during the anthem. Iran boss Carlos Queiroz had said his players were “free to protest”.
There has been a fierce crackdown on protests in Iran sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September. The 22-year-old Amini was detained by morality police for allegedly breaking the strict rules around head coverings.
Meanwhile, England’s Fifa World Cup campaign opened in thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran during an incident-packed match in Doha.
Gareth Southgate’s side strolled to victory, with Iran’s hopeless plight made worse by the early loss of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to concussion after a clash of heads with team-mate Majid Hosseini.
Jude Bellingham got England off the mark in this World Cup with a soaring header 10 minutes before the break and the game was wrapped up before half-time thanks to Bukayo Saka’s fine strike and Raheem Sterling’s classy volley with the outside of his foot from Harry Kane’s cross.
Saka got his second before Iran’s supporters were given a moment of real delight when Mehdi Taremi scored a fine goal after 65 minutes – but England substitute Marcus Rashford then netted another smooth, composed strike with his first involvement.
To put the gloss on an incredibly dominant display, Jack Grealish slotted home from close range after a good run and pull back by Callum Wilson.
Iran did pull another back in injury time when Taremi slotted in a penalty after a John Stones foul.
Credit: bbc.com
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