Iran’s football team refused to sing their national anthem at their opening World Cup game against England on Monday, a gesture widely seen as a pledge of support for anti-government protests back home.
The squad, known as Team Melli, has been at the center of criticism and controversy over participation in the tournament and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier warned athletes not to “disrespect” the country.
The team remained silent throughout the playing of Iran’s national anthem. During the match fans could at times be heard shouting, “Shameless! Shameless!” in Persian at the players.
