Belek, Turkey. Iran’s men’s national soccer team wore black armbands and held schoolbags during the national anthem ahead of a friendly match against Nigeria on Friday, which a team official described as a protest over the killing of schoolgirls.
Iran are playing two friendlies in Turkey as they prepare for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, where their participation is in doubt due to the conflict.
Symbolic gesture before Nigeria friendly
The players lined up holding pink and purple bags with ribbons, in reference to the attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School, which Tehran says killed more than 175 people, including children and teachers, on the first day of joint US-Israeli strikes.
A media official for the Iranian team told Reuters the bags were held close to the players’ hearts in remembrance of what the official described as 165 girls killed in an Iranian school.
US investigation and prior protests
US military investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible for the school attack but have not reached a final conclusion or completed their investigation.
Earlier this month, some members of Iran’s women’s soccer team stayed quiet during the national anthem at an Asian Cup match, and state TV in Tehran described them as “traitors”.
World Cup safety concerns and venue discussions
US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that Iran’s national team were welcome to play in the United States, but said it might not be appropriate for their “life and safety.”
Iran’s football federation said it is in discussions with FIFA about moving its World Cup matches to Mexico from the United States.
Next match in Turkey
Iran are scheduled to play Costa Rica on Tuesday in another friendly in Turkey.
How do you view the use of symbolic gestures by national teams during international matches?