Iran women's football team sing anthem amid safety concerns during war

"Iran's team and management, who have voiced fears and concerns for their families in Iran, wore a stoic look and chose not to sing their national anthem in the opening game against South Korea on Monday. Their decision drew criticism in Iran with Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi saying in a video that the players showed a lack of patriotism and their actions amounted to the pinnacle of dishonour."

"The Iranian team sang along to Mehr-e Khavaran (Eastern Sun) before their second defeat against the host nation on Thursday, sparking fears among Australian human rights campaigners that they had been coerced by government minders. No public reason was given for the players' original stance over the pregame national anthem."

"A petition launched on Friday on the Change.org website urging Australia to give refuge to the team had gathered more than 51,000 signatures by late on Sunday. The petition called on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to ensure the team's safety and protection."

The Iranian women's football team sang their national anthem before their final Women's Asian Cup match in Australia, reversing their earlier decision to remain silent during their opening game. Their initial silence during the match against South Korea drew criticism from Iranian state media, with officials labeling the players as lacking patriotism. The team's subsequent decision to sing sparked concerns among Australian human rights activists that government minders coerced them into compliance. The players and coaching staff have expressed fears for their families in Iran amid ongoing military conflict. A petition on Change.org gathered over 51,000 signatures calling for Australia to grant the team refuge.

Read at www.aljazeera.com