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It actually is possible to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not in your best interests, at this World Cup.
Hours after European soccer authorities caved to FIFA’s threats over plans to show a small token of support for the LGBTQ community, Iran’s players risked the ire of their government by refusing to sing the national anthem before Monday’s game. The European teams backed off because they were oh, so afraid of jeopardizing their chances at the World Cup while the Iranian players went ahead despite knowing security forces back home have arrested, beaten, shot at and even killed those who’ve dared protest the death of Mahsa Amini.
“They should know that we are with them,” Ehsan Hajsafi, Iran’s captain, said Sunday.
Iran has been rocked by protests over the death of Amini, the 17-year-old who died in custody after being arrested for supposedly violating Iran’s conservative dress code. The uprisings began with other young women – their rallying cry of “Women, life, freedom” was displayed on a banner in the stands Monday – but they have since been joined by men and people of all ages and show no signs of ending.
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The response by the government has been brutal, and Iran’s players had to know their public display would put them in danger.
