Iran players skip national anthem in support of anti-govt protests back home

Iranian players refused to sing their national anthem before their first game of the World Cup against England Monday as a show of solidarity with the protestors back home.

The team’s action received mixed reactions from fans present. Some supported this decision and sang Iran's pre-revolutionary anthem instead of the official one. Others criticized the team’s action as not enough. Many fans were confused since the team had met with Iran’s president before arriving in Qatar.

The Khalifa International Stadium also had fans wave the pre-revolutionary flag and signs that said “Woman! Life! Freedom!” and “without honor.” These are synonymous with the protests against the Iranian regime and morality police.

Monday’s Iran vs England match ended in a 6-2 victory for England.