change to accept the conditions of the people. before kick off the islamic republic s national anthem received a hostile reception from a number of iran fans and a muted one from the players. whistles were heard around the stadium. the bbc has seen video of fans protesting and booing during the anthem, but due to fifa broadcast restrictions we cannot show it. there were visible acts of protest in the stadium by iran fans against the actions of the yehran regime. numerous shirts and banners displayed the protest slogan women. life and freedom. another banner read this is not iran s national team, it is the islamic republic s team. there have been security concerns amongst fans looking to protest. qatar and iran are close geopolitical allies. one british iranian woman who organised a protest in the stadium at today s game expressed concern
the bbc has seen video of fans protesting and booing during the anthem, but due to fifa broadcast restrictions we cannot show it. earlier we spoke to former iranian footballer dariush yazdani who commended his team for not singing the national anthem. it s been more than 40 years, you know, all the actors, you now to my football players, athletes, they were under pressure, and they are still under pressure, so, but, i m happy that they picked the right side and they decided not to, you know, sing the national anthem and they supported our people. there were visible acts of protest in the stadium by iran fans against the actions of the yehran regime. numerous shirts and banners displayed the protest slogan women, life, freedom. another banner read this is not iran s national team, it is the islamic republic s team.