During a match at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Monday, a man carrying a rainbow flag and a T-shirt with the words “Respect for Iranian Woman” printed on the back invaded the pitch.
During the Portugal-Uruguay matchup in the second half, the man was on the field for about 30 seconds before being tackled and escorted off by security. In addition, on the front of his T-shirt, he had written “Save Ukraine,” a reference to the war-torn nation.
Ruben Neves, a Portugal player, stated, “We know what has happened around this World Cup… It’s a normal thing to happen.”
Naturally, we are all on their side as well. with the Iranian women as well as Iran. We comprehend his message, and I believe the entire world comprehends it as well, so I hope that nothing bad happens to the boy.
The protestor was distinguished as Italian Mario Ferri by the Italian press organization AGI.
Similar demonstrations have taken place in the past, including one during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in which he brought up the issue of children living in poverty.
At the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is against the law, gay rights and the use of the rainbow flag have been a simmering issue.
As part of a diversity campaign, the captains of seven European teams planned to wear rainbow-themed anti-discrimination armbands throughout the tournament.
However, FIFA’s threat of disciplinary action, including yellow cards, compelled them to back down.
The armband will be worn by Britain’s sports minister Stuart Andrew on Tuesday when he attends England’s matchup with Wales.
During Germany’s shocking 2-1 defeat by Japan last week, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wore the “OneLove” armband while sitting next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Earlier in the tournament, fans complained that they had been instructed to remove rainbow-emblazoned clothing.
– Reaction from the White House: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed Monday’s on-pitch protest on the eve of a politically charged match between Iran and the United States in Qatar.
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FIFA stated that it was unable to comment at this time.
Due to domestic protests against the government, Iran’s team has separately been in the spotlight.
In what appeared to be a gesture of solidarity with the protesters, the Iranian team did not sing the national anthem prior to their first game against England.
Since the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old man who was being held by the morality police, Iran has been shaken by nationwide demonstrations that have lasted for more than two months.
Amini, an Iranian of Kurdish origin who was 22 years old, passed away three days after she was arrested in Tehran for allegedly violating the dress code for women, which requires women to wear the hijab, which is a head covering.
According to Iran Human Rights, a government crackdown has resulted in the deaths of over 410 individuals.