Iran women branded traitors after anthem silence at Asian Cup opener | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Iran’s women’s team were publicly accused of treason in wartime by a state TV presenter after they refused to sing the national anthem before their Asian Cup opener.

The squad stayed silent for the anthem on the Gold Coast ahead of a 0-3 defeat to South Korea on Monday. Three days later they sang and saluted before losing 0-4 to hosts Australia.

State television presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi branded the players traitors to the nation, stating they had shown a lack of patriotism and that their actions amounted to the height of dishonour.

He added that anyone acting against the country in wartime should face harsher treatment, pointing to the team’s initial refusal to sing.

Before facing Australia, striker Sara Didar fought back tears as she spoke about the war, while head coach Marziyeh Jafari said the squad were trying to focus on the tournament despite concern for families at home.

Iran are competing as military conflict in the country intensifies following airstrikes by the United States and Israel. They play the Philippines on Sunday in their final group match.

Source: L'Équipe