Iran Fans Defy FIFA Flag Ban in 0-0 Belgium Draw, Booing Anthem at SoFi
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 21
Iran Fans Defy FIFA Flag Ban in 0-0 Belgium Draw, Booing Anthem at SoFi
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 21
Summary
SoFi Stadium filled with banned Lion-and-Sun flags during Iran's 0-0 draw with Belgium, despite tighter FIFA and stadium screening aimed at keeping the pre-revolutionary symbol out.
A loud chorus of boos greeted the Islamic Republic anthem before kickoff, underscoring visible anti-regime anger among Iranian supporters in Los Angeles.
Security tensions spilled into the stands when one fan in an Iran shirt was detained and removed, even as large banned flags stayed visible through most of the match.
On the field, Alireza Beiranvand made seven saves to secure the point after Belgium went down to 10 men, while Mehdi Taremi had a first-half goal ruled offside.
The scenes echoed Iran's opener against New Zealand, and with Egypt next on June 26, tournament officials may face another test of the ban.