Iran squad leave dressing-room note calling for peace after World Cup match
Iran drew against New Zealand last Monday and secured a further point against Belgium on Sunday, cheered on by an LA crowd packed with members of the Iranian diaspora
Iran’s World Cup team have sent a handwritten note calling for peace after playing the second of their two group matches in Los Angeles.
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Talks continue towards a peace deal between Iran and the United States, which alongside Israel first launched airstrikes on Iran in February.
Iran drew against New Zealand last Monday and secured a further point against Belgium on Sunday, cheered on by an LA crowd packed with members of the Iranian diaspora.
Iran’s players left a message in the dressing room of the SoFi Stadium on Sunday which read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today.
“The spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. #168 #Minab.
“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity. Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality.
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“And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes. May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”
The hashtags in the letter refer to the bombing of the Minab school in Iran on February 28, where reports said 168 people had been killed.
Many Iranians in the US fled before the Islamic revolution in 1979 or are the children of those that did and therefore, though support for the team was strong in the stadiums, there were anti-regime protests outside and pre-revolution ‘Lion and Sun’ flags waved inside, despite a FIFA ban on them.
Iran have complained about the treatment they have received from the US authorities during the World Cup, including tough conditions on the amount of time they can spend in the country for their matches.
Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei said last week they were the “most oppressed” team at the World Cup.
Iran, who moved their training base from the US to the Mexican border city of Tijuana last month, will play their final group match against Egypt in Seattle on Friday.