- Moment came before team’s opening match of the tournament
The Iranian national women’s team has refused to sing their country’s national anthem before playing their opening match in the Asian Cup on Monday night.
Vision has emerged of the Iranian squad remaining silent while the tune was played, before they were beaten 3-0 by South Korea at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
Iranian coach Marziyeh Jafari was also spotted with a smile on her face as the players stayed quiet.
The development came shortly after a question regarding the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US air strikes was shut down by team management during a recent press conference.
On Sunday, it was confirmed US-Israeli strikes killed Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989.
Tehran has launched counterattacks on a number of countries, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Vocal football commentators have since spoken out on the stunning act by the Iranian footballers, some of whom appeared to be holding back tears.
‘They have obviously taken strength from events unfolding in their country,’ veteran journalist Tracey Holmes said.
‘There was also a group of Iranian supporters at the game flying the pre-Islamic Revolutionary flag featuring the golden lion and sun.’
‘Strength to their arms,’ added football commentator Lucy Zelic.
Iran’s current national anthem, ‘Mehr-e Khavaran’, was adopted in 1990.
The song was composed by well-known musician Hassan Riahi, with lyrics written by Sa’ed Bagheri.
Iran is set to continue competing in the Asian Cup tournament despite the war in the Middle East.
Their next match is against the Matildas on the Gold Coast on Thursday night.
‘Obviously it’s really tough what’s going on around the world,’ Matildas captain Sam Kerr told Channel 10.
‘But you know, they’re just young girls and young footballers.
‘We’ll treat the game like any other game, show the team the utmost respect and prepare properly.’
The Daily Mail has contacted the Asian Cup for comment.
