New Delhi: Amid the political tensions in Iran, the national football team midfielder Mohammad Mohebi celebrated with a gun-firing gesture after scoring a goal against New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup on Monday night, June 16.
The celebration grabbed attention on social media as the Iranian footballer plays for a Russian club, FC Rostov, and with his gun celebration, he became a hot topic of debate on social media.
Mohebi also made a love heart gesture to continue his celebration following intimating he shot a gun. Iran was trailing in the game against New Zealand 1-2, but Mohebi scored a brilliant header to level the score at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
After the game, fans demand that Mohebi be banned from the remainder of the tournament.
Watch the celebration here:
Political controversy continued to surround Iran’s World Cup fixture despite strict measures introduced by FIFA and local authorities ahead of the match.
Outside SoFi Stadium, hundreds of demonstrators gathered before kick-off to protest against the Iranian government. Inside the venue, several supporters openly displayed the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag, despite FIFA’s decision to ban it from the tournament.
Security checks at the stadium were tight, with fans passing through metal detectors and bag inspections before entry.
According to reports, one group of supporters wearing T-shirts featuring the pre-revolutionary flag was asked by security personnel to remove them. When they said they had no spare clothing, they were instructed to turn their shirts inside out before entering the venue.
Flags remain visible inside stadium
Despite the restrictions, enforcement appeared limited once spectators were inside. The pre-revolutionary Iranian flag could be seen across different sections of the stadium on banners, flags, and clothing.
Some Iranian supporters also turned their backs during the national anthem, while others responded with jeers, underlining the political tensions that continued to be visible throughout the match despite efforts to keep the event focused on football.