Iran players opt not to sing national anthem at World Cup

Iran’s national soccer team refrained from singing their country’s anthem before their opening World Cup match against England on Monday, in a show of support for protesters back home.

All of the starting 11 players were silent when the national anthem was playing at the Khalifa International Stadium.

A nationwide protest was sparked for more than two months following the death of a young woman in the custody of the police.

Some of the Iranian fans who were present at the stadium were seen silent when the national anthem was playing, according to some international media.

Dozens of Iranian public figures, athletes and artists have displayed solidarity with the protesters with the decision of the national soccer team.