Defying the Regime: Iranian Footballers Take Stand Against Government

Never again will you see anything like it in football.

In the midst of a fierce presidential election campaign, where the president was re-elected, accused of cheating, and opposition supporters have taken the Iranian capital by storm, the media spotlight of the world has been on Iran, and the latest developments of protests in the Islamic Republic.

But between all the violence (where eight people have been killed) in Iran, the mens' national football team were playing a very important World Cup qualifier in Seoul against the Korea Republic.

The result finished 1-1, with Manchester United and Korean star Ji-Sung Park cancelling out Masoud Shajoei's opener for Iran.

But it was not the result, and the fact that Iran's World Cup qualification hopes rely on the result of Saudi Arabia and North Korea that anyone really cares about.

Nor was it the goals scored, the sitters missed, or the tremendous saves either.

It was the heart-felt performance the Iranians put in through this very dark time that was important.

It was the dedicated hard work they put in, not playing for the money or the fame or that shot at a contract with a top European club.

It was the fact that through these difficult times, they stuck together and showed to the world they were playing for the pride and passion of the people in their country, showing Iranians to be proud of football and forget about the dark times that lie ahead.

That is what the people care about; the result, or the game itself, does not matter.

But what matters most is that these mutli-millionaire, top-class international footballers, who will always be protected from harm and violence, showed they care about their country, and took a stand against the regime.

Six Iranian players, including captain and ex-Bayern Munich player Ali Karimi, wore green armbands during the first-half of the match to show their support for the main opposition candidate to the president, Mir Hossein Mousavi (whose campaign colour is green).

It was an act of defiance that will never again be seen in football.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, especially with current president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, has a reputation of having a hard-line regime, with serious punishment for anyone who severely steps out of line.

And it's all well and good being an anonymous person on the street showing support for the opposition candidate.

But to be an internationally recognised sporting star, representing Iran and therefore the Islamic regime, and then defying that regime on national, government owned Iranian TV, is something completely different altogether.

It's something that shows true dedication to the country. It might sound cliché, but it is true.

The consequences that might possibly face these players when they return to Tehran the following day could well be quite severe.

These players have shown to the world that Iran's top sporting stars do not have faith in the establishment, and have backed the will of the people for a new, fresh start in Iran.

This simple action of wearing armbands has an extremely serious effect.

Journalists all over the world are saying that the protest to the election results has reached an unprecedented level, and that something like this has not been seen since the historic Iranian Revolution in 1979.

And now, as the waging fight for justice and fair play continues in Iran, we have seen a historic moment in the sport of football, where politics has spilled out onto the international sporting stage.

Not only the players, but the fans too have voiced their opinion.

One banner read: "Go to hell, Dictator!", whilst fans could be heard chanting "Compatriots, we will be with you to the end with the same heart."

Many fans also held up green paper signs, which read: "Where is my vote?" and waved flags of Iran covered with the plea "Free Iran."

In a World Cup qualifier in Seoul between Iran and the Korea Republic, this time it was not Ji-Sung Park and his star status that stole the show.

It was Iran, and how the players and fans alike represented the true feelings of a nation, and united together to take a stand and defy the regime.

Next time you hear about some Spanish or Argentinian superstar player say they are truly dedicated to their country, ask yourself this:

Would they really defy one of the strictest regimes in the world, just for the love of their country?

Unlike Ali Karimi and co, it's highly doubtful they would.

Source: BBC News