AL RAYYAN, Qatar – Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi said there was no pressure on his national team after his players refused to sing the national anthem in their first match against England at the World Cup.
The Iranian team’s decision not to sing the national anthem on Monday, in a show of support for protesters at home, made headlines around the world.
As the national anthem was played at the Khalifa International Stadium, players stood silently while fans shouted and gave thumbs up.
Iran has been rocked by more than two months of protests sparked by the death of a young woman detained by the country’s deputy, one of the biggest challenges to its religious leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. I’ve been
Iran’s state television interrupted live coverage of the match as players lined up for the national anthem before the game.
Taremi told a news conference on Thursday, the eve of their second match against Wales,
“I said before that I will not answer such questions, but I will answer this time.”
“We are not under pressure. In a football tournament, football journalists must be respected and everything that has nothing to do with football must be left aside.”
The press conference lasted just over 30 minutes, with less than a third of the football-related questions, and the press were asked by the media manager to withhold the rest of the questions about the situation in Iran after the game.
The Portuguese said, “Is it fair to continue to ask political questions? It is the freedom of the press and it is our right not to answer and to respect and understand our position.”
“Others should respect 3,000 years of (Iranian) history, culture, history, and science. Iranians are educated and humble and love what other citizens around the world like.”
The 69-year-old coach said it was unfair for the media to ask players about human rights.
Queiroz said, “It’s strange that you don’t ask these questions to other coaches and players, some of them do not talk about such matters in their countries.”
Queiroz, 69, will miss the game against Wales after goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand suffered a head injury in the 6-2 loss to England, but will be included in Iran’s final group match against the United States. Said he’d be back.
Queiroz said, “We’re excited to face Wales who are back after a 64-year absence. The Red Wall (Wales fans) create a great atmosphere. The match against England was the best training to face Wales.”
“I’m confident the team will regain its personality and winning mentality and prove we deserve to win.”
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