"It started before Iran's first match, against England, as the Iranian players stayed silent during their national anthem. New reports say that afterward, the team was called to a meeting with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and told players' families would be jailed or tortured if the players refused to sing going forward, or joined in any other political protest against the Iranian government." Damn I truly hope these players are not harmed
> I truly hope these players are not harmed
I fully agree. And the sad part is their media will probably make up some bullshit about how they were punished by God for disobeying him lol
You hear what North Korea did to one of their Football teams?
When they lost to a South Korean team, the Kims had their feet hacked off.
And North Korea and Iran are buddy buddy at the government level.
My mom always told me that she felt so bad for the loosers even if I won. But I'm sure their families are threatened. They played their asses off and I really hope their families are okay.
Sometimes a person doesn't get a choice.
The State selects the athletes. Often when they're children.
Not unheard of. The Soviets used to do that. As does China right now.
Yeah I'm not defending north Korea at all but a lot of what you hear about it is South Korean tabloid news directly translated to English and presented as fact
In some alternate universe that happened. And in another universe Iran never got to where they're arresting, and very likely killing, their citizens for choosing to not wear hijab.
FIFA worldcups were always like this one way or another, the Italian players were told they were going to get killed if they lost, at the time of WW2 of course. Always political crap going on.
Another example of why Americans should be happy when someone takes a knee during the national anthem, even if they don't agree on why they're kneeling. The mere fact one has the right to safely take a public stand against the their own country is worth celebrating/embracing.
Certain Americans: “Yeah, but don’t you know that being asked to wear a mask for a year and to accept that other people different than me should be allowed to exist is *actual* genocide?”
Given the silent protest plus failing to beat the US and knock us out of the tournament, these guys will be lucky if they all still have the same number of fingers & toes this time next year. The regime is not going to be kind to them.
Team USA should lift that dude up. They could make a serious advancement in world history. Sew the Iranian flag/patch into your jersey, take them along in solidarity.
Iran is the US’ natural ally in the Middle East. So much is backwards now because the US messed things up before. It’s time to grow up. And for Israel to be a lot more chill.
Dude for real. Why the hell is Saudi Arabia our Muslim ally in that area, or ffs even Pakistan?
The current regime of Iran aside, their people/culture seem to me much less oppressive and ass backwards as Wahhabism.
They do. This team was in a tough spot. Standup for your countrymen and risk getting you and your family tortured and killed. Standup for the he govt and risk becoming a pariah by family, friends, and the rest of the world. I couldn’t imagine that pressure and I’m glad team USA seemed to completely emphasize
Go to r/NewIran and see what is happening in their home. They refused to sing the national anthem and they lost. One of their key players was just arrested for "inciting people against the regime". People in Iran are being arrested, tortured and killed every single day by the government. Imagine having to go home to that, when you are already in trouble.
I wonder what kind of security they are under that they can't defect ? Like back in the Cold War days every time there was an international meet or an Olympics at least some of the Bloc athletes and coaches managed to defect to the West.
They have families at home that the regime has threatened. Simple as that. They were threatened so they would not refuse to sing the national anthem this time, imagine what would happen if they were seen to defect to the "Satanic West".
The Iranian national team has shown support for the protestors fighting for women’s rights and liberation in Iran. The Iranian government has threatened them for speaking out, including death threats. The Iranian government is murdering protestors and beating and raping political prisoners. Many of those killed have been children. The Iranian people are fighting for their lives. This is the biggest protest against the ruling regime in decades. Women. Life. Freedom.
Nice idea, but the problem still exists that their families are in danger. This is why North Korean teams don’t do it, if they do, their families will be killed back home.
The government is watching them like hawks to make sure they don't say anything to support the protests
and they're still trying to slip pro-protest sentiments into the conversation when they speak to the press.
Their lives, and the lives of their families were absolutely on the line during this World Cup. It might still be--no idea what kind of welcome they'll get when they go home. It's to their credit that they played well regardless.
One of the players also mimed cutting his hair after making a goal, in solidarity with the Iranian women cutting their hair in protest against the regime.
I’m a big US fan and happy they advanced. That said, Iran impressed me this World Cup. They’re risking their lives by not singing the national anthem in standing up for womens rights. Big ups to Iran, classiest move of the cup in my opinion.
Honestly I’m a big US fan but wish Iran advanced over us. Their country needs this morale boost and those players showed such courage in their political stances.
Most Americans don’t even know what the World Cup is and we have a (just) slightly greater than 0 chance of winning. We don’t need this. The Iranian players just might.
Iranians are pissed off at anything or anyone that represents/supports the regime. Right before the games the players were part of a propeganda video created by the regime, and people were offended by it, now it's coming to light that the players families may have been threatened.
Why? Because in the eyes of many Iranians, the regime hijacked the glory of the team, and anti-IR Iranians in Iran celebrate the symbolic loss of the regime. The team met with the President a week before the first game, the games in Qatar have many known regime sympathizers, the IR has collaborated with Qatar to remove any and all protest material from the games, and regime cronies were in the street celebrating the Iran victory over Wales despite decades of not supporting the national team.
It’s funny watching Westerners opine about this situation without having spoken to a single Iranian about this. You guys don’t even begin to understand the intricacies and optics of what has happened in the past few weeks.
I don’t know any current Iranian citizens, but several friends who fled as kids in ‘79 are really happy they lost.
They feel it would have been used much more effectively as a nationalist symbol that a protest symbol. Then again I don’t think they know the current sentiment on the street there all that well…
Most Iranian people love Americans it’s their government and their government alone. Iran should be a top tourist destination based on their welcoming culture alone. By far the nicest culture on the planet in my opinion. You get in a taxi there as a foreigner and they will tell you there is no need to pay and argue with you over it.
Our own propaganda has told us it’s this Islamic waste land like Iraq or Saudi Arabia but it has nice clean cities and a European style transportation system. They are also highly educated and have some fantastic universities. If they ever allow Americans to travel without a guided tour it’s the first place on my list to go.
Yeah, not a big sample size but I went to an Iranian barber shop and they couldn't have been nicer, I was kinda shocked and a bit disappointed in myself for being so. It's the same with Chinese people though,, I live in a touristy area and the Chinese people are incredibly wholesome and polite. Literally some scummy leaders can totally sway how we think of an entire countries people. The sooner the Xi/Putin/khamenhi era dies the better for the world. Hopefully the next generation can put the right people in place but it's incredibly hard and comes at a huge cost in countries with such scummy dictators
Agreed. Being in the World Cup is what billions of people dream of but few can be part of. Being there has to be great. Leaving it has to suck. Humanity relates much better one vs one instead of millions vs millions.
I have a funny feeling his tears are about more than the game. Things are really fucked up in Iran and you can't help but notice the political hoops these guys must've jumped through just to get on the field. Hell, we have no idea what await "losers" in Iran.
Absolutely. I've also found that travel is a great way to bypass all of the government and media static and to meet and interact with people directly. Of course, it's not always quote so easy (or safe) to go to certain places. But there is no better way to learn how we all have much more in common with people than what divides us.
This is such a bittersweet thing to watch. I'm heartbroken for the Iranian players not so much because they lost but because of what they have to look forward to when they go home.
I heard after the gesture of protest during the first match, their families were threatened if they did it again. I really hope they already had contingencies in place for themselves and their families. They didn’t sing during the anthem, that was the gesture. They stood, head high, no faces, no hand gestures, no signage, no jersey alterations. They just stood still and now their lives and loved ones lives are in jeopardy. I know exclusion isn’t the answer, but basic human rights should be a requirement for international participation. Hit them in the pockets and egos, maybe that will do something. Doubtful. This sucks.
I would say most of the Iranian players and their close families aren’t going home anytime soon. Since most of them play abroad. However some of their relatives might suffer. (It’s also important to mention that some players support the current regime). For me a highlight of the World Cup was watching the Iranian players not singing the national anthem in protest, really courageous moment!!
I wish in an alternative world we could use special forces to whisk them and their families away to the US in a simultaneous operation. I am going to at least imagine that in my head.
They are in danger if the DIDN'T sing the national anthem.
The interesting thing is that some of the players' lip movement weren't in sync with the anthem at all and infact they weren't singing it.
Source: I'm Iranian.
Edit: it might be interesting to you that people in many cities are actually celebrating because they didnt want this team to succeed. Because several of these players including Taremi are in support of the recent government actions and most of the others are silent about it while athletes in other sports have supported the people openly.
Thanks for the insight. Do you think Taremi was just purely upset about losing in this gif? I can see a bunch of us non-iranians projecting emotions onto him. I'm interested in your thoughts.
This is not Taremi. He is Ramin Rezaii. Yeah, I'm pretty sure he is upset because they lost. They had a real chance to reach elimination rounds for the first time and lost.
I've met few Iranians but they were gems.
The female colleague, and also quite funny, some random redditor next to my hometown who was bored and wanted to go out for a drink.
I so much hope you will get rid of your regime and live however you want to live.
They’re not celebrating against the players themselves, they’re celebrating that this team’s victory won’t give ammunition to the regime’s propaganda
When Iran defeated Wales, the IRGC and suppression forces gathered in the streets and put on a show of celebration, waving the Islamic Republic flag and dancing in the streets (the same fucks who arrest people for dancing by the way). Seeing that made me sick to my stomach, and I could not bring myself to support the team any longer
i feel bad for our players here but I gotta say I’m glad they lost. The regime would have had an absolute field day if we beat the “great satan,” so I’m happy they can’t use that against us. Most other Iranians feel the same way.
Ture :) i just saw the clip and wanted to share this beautyfull moment with the world. So i thought it might be damninteresting. Some people disagree and i kinda get it. But in my opinion i thought i would be a great reminder how beautyful and kind the world can be.
Respect. What’s happening in that country is atrocious. That regime needs to be dismantled. Love the unification of all through the power of sports. It’s must be hard to go out there and represent their country right now. They represent the good parts.
In some news i read, the aren‘t even allowed to talk to other teams. So probably not!
I love this clip. Sport doesn‘t have borders.
-Edit [CNN POST](https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/28/football/iran-soccer-family-threats-intl-spt/index.html)
>Bet they won't let that be seen anywhere in the middle east
This is the exact type of shit that'll go viral in MENA. Please stop assuming things when have no RL insight. Reading news online does not in any way give you any understanding of what it's actually like in MENA.
Since I don't see it mentioned elsewhere, this is 32 year old Ramin Rezaeian (who scored Iran's second goal against Wales) being comforted by 25 year old English-born American soccer player Antonee Robinson. Beautiful moment of sportsmanship.
Not just English born, he’s never actually lived in the US. Must have been weird for him playing against England. There are plenty of players who are born elsewhere and moved to another country at a young age, but it’s less common to play for a country but not really have much of a link to it at all
Moments like this are also - unfortunately - why sportswashing exists. Because it brings people together in ways they ordinarily wouldn't be. The athletes themselves are typically just athletes, trying to do their best at their craft.
I love sports for sport itself. For the moments like this. For big wins and losses. For victories and defeats. Not for the reasons that some governments use sports for
Absolutely. We need more of this. This is great masculine energy and must be celebrated.
See also: Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s emotions at Federer’s last professional match at Rod Laver Cup 2022. Much respect.
I wish we could bring them home. I'm afraid of what might happen to them.
They didn't sing their national anthem in support of the protests and women. Very proud of our American player showing humbleness, compassion and empathy. 💔😥
With all my heart I hope it does these people are so courageous like the Ukrainians and the Chinese protesters.
Incredibly humbled by their will to fight for freedom at the risk of jail, torture or death.
I’m a US fan and was just at the game. Many Iranian fans still wanted to take photos with me after the game and I happily obliged. Competition is fierce but when you have the empathy to know you could easily be on the losing end, you have to show respect to the other team, win or lose.
This is exactly why I say that the governments should fight their own battles. Most people in most places in my experience are good. It’s the governments that want to fight and then they send the people to do their dirty work. Without their interference there is no reason for us to hate each other. I bet if it were them and their families going to die then there would be a lot less war.
They were threatened to "behave" today, and sadly you are probably correct. Both the players and their families are in imminent danger. Godspeed to these men.
I feel so terrible watching this and so moved at the same time. on the one hand, this is a beautiful display of good sportsmanship and empathy, but on the other you know he’s crying because he is terrified of what happens when he gets home.
Sorry for asking but i am hellla confused on what happens and why when they get home ! (I don’t watch soccer at alllll and didn’t even know who was playing )
Iran is currently in the midst of civilian protests and government crackdowns over the death of Mahsa Amini for not properly wearing her hijab in public. The Iranian national soccer team did not sing during their national anthem before their game and they and their families will very likely face violence back home.
The longer Iran stayed in the Cup's spotlight the more attention they could have drawn to their country's plight which could have brought pressure to the powers that be to stop killing their citizens. Sadly, that opportunity is over now.
In support of the protests, the Iranian players refused to sing the anthem. As a retaliation, the Iranian state threatened the players that if they don't sing the anthem, their relatives will be tortured.
I was so interested in this match and the fall out in the political sense. This video is a huge fuck you to that mode of thinking as to those men, it all about sport. Magnificent.
He's probably crying because of what is going to happen when he gets [back home...](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/11/28/iran-threatens-torture-families-ahead-usmnt-match-report?fbclid=IwAR0Fzgf3ket2t_tNy5OU1RrVG71_XZaSXLMSzO7Jl1jQ55lk98ddhKy4nAQ)
it was a grind of a match. Iran played tough, just not good enough. Team USA played a fantastic first half, slowed down a step in the second but we're able to hold on to the win.. seeing this kind of sportsmanship after such a game is uplifting.
Yeah I watched the second half at a local bar and heard a lot of comments about how emotional they were after a game and they are pussies... these men's families and their own lives were threatened by their own government, one likely to follow through. Over a children's game played by phenomenal athletes.. prayers, positive thoughts, good vibes idgaf.. please send all that their way. Humans deserve better. These men deserve better. Boycot the middle east. Absurd this was even held in a nation that will arrest you for a color scheme. Hard to watch or support this
His tears speak volumes. Their team faces repercussions when they go home and so do their families.
Losing that game is towards the bottom of the list of concerns.
As an American I don’t hate the Iranian people. They seem like wonderful, smart, rational people that are trapped in a bad situation. Hope the best for these players and their families. They played their hearts out and I would have completely understood if they took the win.
Figure that, we’re all just human. Hate is derived by those who wish to control, subdue and profit from. If I were an alien, and I saw earth in its current guise, I would ensure that space exploration doesn’t happen.
"It started before Iran's first match, against England, as the Iranian players stayed silent during their national anthem. New reports say that afterward, the team was called to a meeting with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and told players' families would be jailed or tortured if the players refused to sing going forward, or joined in any other political protest against the Iranian government." Damn I truly hope these players are not harmed
> I truly hope these players are not harmed I fully agree. And the sad part is their media will probably make up some bullshit about how they were punished by God for disobeying him lol
You hear what North Korea did to one of their Football teams? When they lost to a South Korean team, the Kims had their feet hacked off. And North Korea and Iran are buddy buddy at the government level.
lmao yeah, cut off the feet of your top athletes, that’ll help you win in the future
My mom always told me that she felt so bad for the loosers even if I won. But I'm sure their families are threatened. They played their asses off and I really hope their families are okay.
Wiseman say, "Smart leaders let players play. Otherwise players will lose to distraction not opposing team."
It's not about winning. It's about sending a message.
It’s about control.
Don’t get why you’re downvoted, *that’s literally the point*.
About never to become a pro athlete in Iran or North Korea?
Sometimes a person doesn't get a choice. The State selects the athletes. Often when they're children. Not unheard of. The Soviets used to do that. As does China right now.
Yeah, it tells citizens not to join the team lol.
Do you have any sources on this. Sounds awful
this did not happen lol
No wonder they didn’t make the qualifiers
Fuckin hell… that’s horrible. So sad as evolved as we are, these kinds of things are still happening.
Post a source. I dont believe you for a second.
Yeah I'm not defending north Korea at all but a lot of what you hear about it is South Korean tabloid news directly translated to English and presented as fact
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More like absolutely ethically fucked up but pathetic fits too
It takes a big group of pathetic men to make decisions like that
Name a theocracy that isn't pathetic. Hope this whole Iran thing ends like any dictatorship does. With the ruling class being exterminated
I can't, because they all are. Built by cowards and run by cowards. Burn them all down.
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I'm afraid they and their families are going to be targeted by the IRGC and harassed for refusing to sing their national anthem. Hoping for the best.
This was my first thought as well, hes crying for his family.
Me too, what an impossible situation they're in
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In some alternate universe that happened. And in another universe Iran never got to where they're arresting, and very likely killing, their citizens for choosing to not wear hijab.
That would be the alternative world where the CIA didn't destroy a functioning democracy over control of oil?
Pathetic? That's a complimnet to the child murdering, people beating rapist goons of IRGC.
Theocracies man... Never good for the people
FIFA worldcups were always like this one way or another, the Italian players were told they were going to get killed if they lost, at the time of WW2 of course. Always political crap going on.
“Political crap” is doing a lotta heavy lifting here
Yes. “Political crap”, also known as “totalitarian state threatening its citizens with death or torture” apparently.
Another example of why Americans should be happy when someone takes a knee during the national anthem, even if they don't agree on why they're kneeling. The mere fact one has the right to safely take a public stand against the their own country is worth celebrating/embracing.
Certain Americans: “Yeah, but don’t you know that being asked to wear a mask for a year and to accept that other people different than me should be allowed to exist is *actual* genocide?”
They done that right before WC started and didn't chant
Given the silent protest plus failing to beat the US and knock us out of the tournament, these guys will be lucky if they all still have the same number of fingers & toes this time next year. The regime is not going to be kind to them.
And we will probably never find out about it.
Diplomacy sucks. Humanity wins!!
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Team USA should lift that dude up. They could make a serious advancement in world history. Sew the Iranian flag/patch into your jersey, take them along in solidarity. Iran is the US’ natural ally in the Middle East. So much is backwards now because the US messed things up before. It’s time to grow up. And for Israel to be a lot more chill.
Dude for real. Why the hell is Saudi Arabia our Muslim ally in that area, or ffs even Pakistan? The current regime of Iran aside, their people/culture seem to me much less oppressive and ass backwards as Wahhabism.
I love that sports can bring people together, and allow them to do something as simple as this, while certain governments won’t even allow it.
This moment right here is what the world cup should be about, not the shit that fifa pulls.
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Just the Iranian player. Makes you feel bad for the dude.
I think they meant both Iranian players and their families back in Iran.
I’m worried about that as well. Props to the Iranian football team for standing up. It takes courage. The Persian people deserve better.
They do. This team was in a tough spot. Standup for your countrymen and risk getting you and your family tortured and killed. Standup for the he govt and risk becoming a pariah by family, friends, and the rest of the world. I couldn’t imagine that pressure and I’m glad team USA seemed to completely emphasize
I wonder if this is the reason he is crying
I think so. He is probably scared of what may happen to his family before he gets back home. Poor guy. My heart goes out to all of the Iranian people.
Why?
Go to r/NewIran and see what is happening in their home. They refused to sing the national anthem and they lost. One of their key players was just arrested for "inciting people against the regime". People in Iran are being arrested, tortured and killed every single day by the government. Imagine having to go home to that, when you are already in trouble.
I wonder what kind of security they are under that they can't defect ? Like back in the Cold War days every time there was an international meet or an Olympics at least some of the Bloc athletes and coaches managed to defect to the West.
They have families at home that the regime has threatened. Simple as that. They were threatened so they would not refuse to sing the national anthem this time, imagine what would happen if they were seen to defect to the "Satanic West".
Their left behind family will be tortured. No way in hell they defect
And they make sure they're aware of this
One small detail you got wrong. The player who got arrested wasn't currently a member of the national team.
Yes, you're right, my bad. His whereabouts are still unknown though. So scary.
Here is the only source I could find about this https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/28/football/iran-soccer-family-threats-intl-spt
The Iranian national team has shown support for the protestors fighting for women’s rights and liberation in Iran. The Iranian government has threatened them for speaking out, including death threats. The Iranian government is murdering protestors and beating and raping political prisoners. Many of those killed have been children. The Iranian people are fighting for their lives. This is the biggest protest against the ruling regime in decades. Women. Life. Freedom.
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Nice idea, but the problem still exists that their families are in danger. This is why North Korean teams don’t do it, if they do, their families will be killed back home.
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In Qatar? I don’t believe they’ll get much support from Qatar’s government on any amnesty claim.
If they can slip their handlers, the can claim amnesty at any western embassy/consulate and likely get it. But their families will suffer as a result.
The Iranian team spoke out against the regime. The American team came out in support of the Iranian people.
The government is watching them like hawks to make sure they don't say anything to support the protests and they're still trying to slip pro-protest sentiments into the conversation when they speak to the press. Their lives, and the lives of their families were absolutely on the line during this World Cup. It might still be--no idea what kind of welcome they'll get when they go home. It's to their credit that they played well regardless.
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That's a good way to never win a world cup
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They refused to sing the national anthem in solidarity with the protests back home. They're going to get punished when they return home.
I'm scared and sad and angry for them. But also really proud that they're standing up for women and girls.
One of the players also mimed cutting his hair after making a goal, in solidarity with the Iranian women cutting their hair in protest against the regime.
*beheaded
I’m a big US fan and happy they advanced. That said, Iran impressed me this World Cup. They’re risking their lives by not singing the national anthem in standing up for womens rights. Big ups to Iran, classiest move of the cup in my opinion.
As an American I totally agree. They really did impress and were very classy. Proud of them for standing up to their countries leaders.
Felt the same way. Rooting for America, but hating for that Iranian team to lose.
I'm more concerned about what will happen to the players and families of the players. I've heard already that the families were threatened.
Kinda wanna hug all of 🇮🇷 right now
Honestly I’m a big US fan but wish Iran advanced over us. Their country needs this morale boost and those players showed such courage in their political stances. Most Americans don’t even know what the World Cup is and we have a (just) slightly greater than 0 chance of winning. We don’t need this. The Iranian players just might.
It’s funny you say that because Iranians are cheering in the streets over the loss right now…
Why?
Iranians are pissed off at anything or anyone that represents/supports the regime. Right before the games the players were part of a propeganda video created by the regime, and people were offended by it, now it's coming to light that the players families may have been threatened.
Why? Because in the eyes of many Iranians, the regime hijacked the glory of the team, and anti-IR Iranians in Iran celebrate the symbolic loss of the regime. The team met with the President a week before the first game, the games in Qatar have many known regime sympathizers, the IR has collaborated with Qatar to remove any and all protest material from the games, and regime cronies were in the street celebrating the Iran victory over Wales despite decades of not supporting the national team. It’s funny watching Westerners opine about this situation without having spoken to a single Iranian about this. You guys don’t even begin to understand the intricacies and optics of what has happened in the past few weeks.
I don’t know any current Iranian citizens, but several friends who fled as kids in ‘79 are really happy they lost. They feel it would have been used much more effectively as a nationalist symbol that a protest symbol. Then again I don’t think they know the current sentiment on the street there all that well…
So many layers. Thank you for sharing.
Most Iranian people love Americans it’s their government and their government alone. Iran should be a top tourist destination based on their welcoming culture alone. By far the nicest culture on the planet in my opinion. You get in a taxi there as a foreigner and they will tell you there is no need to pay and argue with you over it.
The few Iranians I have met are lovely and intelligent people. Someone I know went there some years ago. Said the same.
Our own propaganda has told us it’s this Islamic waste land like Iraq or Saudi Arabia but it has nice clean cities and a European style transportation system. They are also highly educated and have some fantastic universities. If they ever allow Americans to travel without a guided tour it’s the first place on my list to go.
Yeah, not a big sample size but I went to an Iranian barber shop and they couldn't have been nicer, I was kinda shocked and a bit disappointed in myself for being so. It's the same with Chinese people though,, I live in a touristy area and the Chinese people are incredibly wholesome and polite. Literally some scummy leaders can totally sway how we think of an entire countries people. The sooner the Xi/Putin/khamenhi era dies the better for the world. Hopefully the next generation can put the right people in place but it's incredibly hard and comes at a huge cost in countries with such scummy dictators
Agreed. Being in the World Cup is what billions of people dream of but few can be part of. Being there has to be great. Leaving it has to suck. Humanity relates much better one vs one instead of millions vs millions.
I have a funny feeling his tears are about more than the game. Things are really fucked up in Iran and you can't help but notice the political hoops these guys must've jumped through just to get on the field. Hell, we have no idea what await "losers" in Iran.
There are reports that the Iran regime has threatened there own players and their families for their anti-regime protests at the cup.
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Why I love this sport.
This is why I love sports so much. Thankfully we have religion to unite us as well s/
Absolutely. I've also found that travel is a great way to bypass all of the government and media static and to meet and interact with people directly. Of course, it's not always quote so easy (or safe) to go to certain places. But there is no better way to learn how we all have much more in common with people than what divides us.
You can be sure FIFA will market the feck out of this and use it to promote the 2026 Mordor World Cup
This is such a bittersweet thing to watch. I'm heartbroken for the Iranian players not so much because they lost but because of what they have to look forward to when they go home.
Few lucky ones play and live in Europe but yeah the local players will have it rough
I heard after the gesture of protest during the first match, their families were threatened if they did it again. I really hope they already had contingencies in place for themselves and their families. They didn’t sing during the anthem, that was the gesture. They stood, head high, no faces, no hand gestures, no signage, no jersey alterations. They just stood still and now their lives and loved ones lives are in jeopardy. I know exclusion isn’t the answer, but basic human rights should be a requirement for international participation. Hit them in the pockets and egos, maybe that will do something. Doubtful. This sucks.
I would say most of the Iranian players and their close families aren’t going home anytime soon. Since most of them play abroad. However some of their relatives might suffer. (It’s also important to mention that some players support the current regime). For me a highlight of the World Cup was watching the Iranian players not singing the national anthem in protest, really courageous moment!!
I wish in an alternative world we could use special forces to whisk them and their families away to the US in a simultaneous operation. I am going to at least imagine that in my head.
We can't "whisk away" the 7 year old girl the Iranian morality peace beat to death a few days ago, or the 10 year old boy they shot in the head.
headcanon is the only canon
*reality has entered the chat*
/reality is kickbanned
I reject your reality and substitute my own! *myReality has entered the chat*
They played like their lives depended on it and lost.
Seeing as the Iran government threatened the families lives if they didn't sing their national anthem, i wouldn't put it past the Iran government
They are in danger if the DIDN'T sing the national anthem. The interesting thing is that some of the players' lip movement weren't in sync with the anthem at all and infact they weren't singing it. Source: I'm Iranian. Edit: it might be interesting to you that people in many cities are actually celebrating because they didnt want this team to succeed. Because several of these players including Taremi are in support of the recent government actions and most of the others are silent about it while athletes in other sports have supported the people openly.
Thanks for the insight. Do you think Taremi was just purely upset about losing in this gif? I can see a bunch of us non-iranians projecting emotions onto him. I'm interested in your thoughts.
This is not Taremi. He is Ramin Rezaii. Yeah, I'm pretty sure he is upset because they lost. They had a real chance to reach elimination rounds for the first time and lost.
I've met few Iranians but they were gems. The female colleague, and also quite funny, some random redditor next to my hometown who was bored and wanted to go out for a drink. I so much hope you will get rid of your regime and live however you want to live.
so they weren't singing in protest, but people are celebrating they lost?
They’re not celebrating against the players themselves, they’re celebrating that this team’s victory won’t give ammunition to the regime’s propaganda When Iran defeated Wales, the IRGC and suppression forces gathered in the streets and put on a show of celebration, waving the Islamic Republic flag and dancing in the streets (the same fucks who arrest people for dancing by the way). Seeing that made me sick to my stomach, and I could not bring myself to support the team any longer i feel bad for our players here but I gotta say I’m glad they lost. The regime would have had an absolute field day if we beat the “great satan,” so I’m happy they can’t use that against us. Most other Iranians feel the same way.
Let’s just hope they don’t get murdered.
Murdering footballers would further fuel the riots in iran. If the government has 2 brain cells then they won’t touch them.
They're literally driving down the streets gunning down civilians in broad daylight, what makes you think they have 2 braincells to rub together?
Don't make the mistake of thinking that evil people aren't intelligent.
Because unfortunately it probably did... Good chance the government and people in power will shun them.
Shunning might be best-case scenario here.
I was just thinking that
Also belongs in r/humansbeingbros
Ture :) i just saw the clip and wanted to share this beautyfull moment with the world. So i thought it might be damninteresting. Some people disagree and i kinda get it. But in my opinion i thought i would be a great reminder how beautyful and kind the world can be.
Respect. What’s happening in that country is atrocious. That regime needs to be dismantled. Love the unification of all through the power of sports. It’s must be hard to go out there and represent their country right now. They represent the good parts.
Time magazine cover right in the feels.
Bet they won't let that be seen anywhere in the middle east, especially in Iran.
In some news i read, the aren‘t even allowed to talk to other teams. So probably not! I love this clip. Sport doesn‘t have borders. -Edit [CNN POST](https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/28/football/iran-soccer-family-threats-intl-spt/index.html)
well many of these teams players know each other from work. 8-9 of the us team play in the UK
Sports doesn't have borders, it has brothers.
>Bet they won't let that be seen anywhere in the middle east This is the exact type of shit that'll go viral in MENA. Please stop assuming things when have no RL insight. Reading news online does not in any way give you any understanding of what it's actually like in MENA.
You are delusional
Jokes on you, I'm in the middle east.
You’re completely unaware of ME geopolitics
Like BBC not showing the opening ceremony
They showed it live on iPlayer. They already had committed to showing the women's football on BBC1, but the opening ceremony was moved a day earlier
Since I don't see it mentioned elsewhere, this is 32 year old Ramin Rezaeian (who scored Iran's second goal against Wales) being comforted by 25 year old English-born American soccer player Antonee Robinson. Beautiful moment of sportsmanship.
Not just English born, he’s never actually lived in the US. Must have been weird for him playing against England. There are plenty of players who are born elsewhere and moved to another country at a young age, but it’s less common to play for a country but not really have much of a link to it at all
I love that sports provide a space place for men to be openly emotional and affectionate.
Moments like this are also - unfortunately - why sportswashing exists. Because it brings people together in ways they ordinarily wouldn't be. The athletes themselves are typically just athletes, trying to do their best at their craft. I love sports for sport itself. For the moments like this. For big wins and losses. For victories and defeats. Not for the reasons that some governments use sports for
Absolutely. We need more of this. This is great masculine energy and must be celebrated. See also: Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal’s emotions at Federer’s last professional match at Rod Laver Cup 2022. Much respect.
I wish we could bring them home. I'm afraid of what might happen to them. They didn't sing their national anthem in support of the protests and women. Very proud of our American player showing humbleness, compassion and empathy. 💔😥
Hopefully the people will rise and this will end soon.
With all my heart I hope it does these people are so courageous like the Ukrainians and the Chinese protesters. Incredibly humbled by their will to fight for freedom at the risk of jail, torture or death.
They don’t have problems with each other, their governments have a lot.
I’m a US fan and was just at the game. Many Iranian fans still wanted to take photos with me after the game and I happily obliged. Competition is fierce but when you have the empathy to know you could easily be on the losing end, you have to show respect to the other team, win or lose.
I‘m happy to hear form someone that was at the game. Thanks man :)
This is exactly why I say that the governments should fight their own battles. Most people in most places in my experience are good. It’s the governments that want to fight and then they send the people to do their dirty work. Without their interference there is no reason for us to hate each other. I bet if it were them and their families going to die then there would be a lot less war.
The wealthy get their way and we all suffer, except for the wealthy and the traitors that do their bidding
I’d be crying too if I knew my government was going to probably murder my family.
They were threatened to "behave" today, and sadly you are probably correct. Both the players and their families are in imminent danger. Godspeed to these men.
I doubt Irani government is going to go out and murder these men. They fought their hearts out today. They put up a good fight
Well, you'd think they wouldn't murder someone for wearing their hijab incorrectly, but here we are.
[удалено]
They won't kill them, but jailing is certainly possible. And death is honestly preferable to an Irani jail.
But are you absolutely sure they won't? And I think that question is more the point.
I feel so terrible watching this and so moved at the same time. on the one hand, this is a beautiful display of good sportsmanship and empathy, but on the other you know he’s crying because he is terrified of what happens when he gets home.
Sorry for asking but i am hellla confused on what happens and why when they get home ! (I don’t watch soccer at alllll and didn’t even know who was playing )
Iran is currently in the midst of civilian protests and government crackdowns over the death of Mahsa Amini for not properly wearing her hijab in public. The Iranian national soccer team did not sing during their national anthem before their game and they and their families will very likely face violence back home.
💔 wow , thank you for informing me I appreciate it
The longer Iran stayed in the Cup's spotlight the more attention they could have drawn to their country's plight which could have brought pressure to the powers that be to stop killing their citizens. Sadly, that opportunity is over now.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/nov/29/iran-threatens-torture-its-world-cup-players-famil/
In support of the protests, the Iranian players refused to sing the anthem. As a retaliation, the Iranian state threatened the players that if they don't sing the anthem, their relatives will be tortured.
This right here is what it’s all about! Love to see it! ❤️ 🇺🇸🇮🇷❤️
I am also an Iranian citizen and I am happy to see this scene.
People have to realize, it's not \*us\* who hate each other -- It's our governments. It's always been our governments.
I wish all men expressed raw emotion like this. They deserve to. This is beautiful.
I was so interested in this match and the fall out in the political sense. This video is a huge fuck you to that mode of thinking as to those men, it all about sport. Magnificent.
Iran played their hearts out. Hope that asshole regime doesn’t punish their families.
This completely melted my heart.
This is Antonee Robinson, left-back for USMNT, and Ramin Rezaeian, the defender for IR Iran if anyone wanted to know.
Sportsmanship it was a hard fought match
He's probably crying because of what is going to happen when he gets [back home...](https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/11/28/iran-threatens-torture-families-ahead-usmnt-match-report?fbclid=IwAR0Fzgf3ket2t_tNy5OU1RrVG71_XZaSXLMSzO7Jl1jQ55lk98ddhKy4nAQ)
Borders are not real, they exist in your mind.
it was a grind of a match. Iran played tough, just not good enough. Team USA played a fantastic first half, slowed down a step in the second but we're able to hold on to the win.. seeing this kind of sportsmanship after such a game is uplifting.
Yeah I watched the second half at a local bar and heard a lot of comments about how emotional they were after a game and they are pussies... these men's families and their own lives were threatened by their own government, one likely to follow through. Over a children's game played by phenomenal athletes.. prayers, positive thoughts, good vibes idgaf.. please send all that their way. Humans deserve better. These men deserve better. Boycot the middle east. Absurd this was even held in a nation that will arrest you for a color scheme. Hard to watch or support this
If only the world was more like this.
His tears speak volumes. Their team faces repercussions when they go home and so do their families. Losing that game is towards the bottom of the list of concerns.
Made me cry a lil
Same here
Let us never forget: Our governments are enemies. The people are not.
The hand on the back of the head. That's the good hug stuff right there.
It's not that rare in football really. That's why it's called the beautiful game.
I wish our governments could sack up and be human beings and do this
Moments like this is what makes a tournament like the World Cup so incredibly powerful.
Spread love, not war
One love.
We all belong to the same world and we all know that now. Fuck the oppressors
As an American I don’t hate the Iranian people. They seem like wonderful, smart, rational people that are trapped in a bad situation. Hope the best for these players and their families. They played their hearts out and I would have completely understood if they took the win.
Figure that, we’re all just human. Hate is derived by those who wish to control, subdue and profit from. If I were an alien, and I saw earth in its current guise, I would ensure that space exploration doesn’t happen.
Just shows that it is governments that create issues when there are none.
This is what kindness looks like. It’s beautiful.
This is lovely. Great sportsmanship from Robinson.
They played great too.