Ahead of their friendly clash with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Iran’s men’s national team staged a symbolic protest on Friday in Turkey, wearing black armbands and holding schoolbags during their national anthem.
The match, played in the resort town of Belek, comes as Iran prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
According to a team official, the gesture was in response to the reported killing of schoolchildren during the early days of the Iran conflict. Players were seen holding pink and purple schoolbags adorned with ribbons, referencing the reported attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh School, which Iranian authorities say resulted in the deaths of more than 175 people, including children and teachers.
“The players are holding the school bags close to their hearts in remembrance of the 165 girls the Americans killed in an Iranian school,” a media official for the Iranian team told Reuters.
However, U.S. military investigators have stated that while it is likely American forces were responsible, no final conclusion has been reached as investigations are still ongoing.
The protest follows a similar act earlier this month, when members of Iran’s women’s national team remained silent during their national anthem at an Asian Cup match, prompting criticism from state media in Tehran.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump recently commented that although Iran’s national team would be allowed to participate in the World Cup, concerns remain about their safety.
Iran’s football federation is reportedly in discussions with FIFA over the possibility of relocating their World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.
Iran is also scheduled to face Costa Rica in another friendly match in Turkey on Tuesday as preparations continue.
