Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Thousands of Iran supporters turned up for their side’s FIFA World Cup opener against New Zealand carrying the Lion and Sun flag, the pre-revolution emblem that has become a visible symbol of opposition to the current government.
At the packed stadium in Los Angeles, home to one of the world’s largest Iranian diaspora communities, the flag, banned by FIFA, was impossible to miss. Fans draped it across shoulders, waved it from the stands and held it aloft during Iran’s opening match against New Zealand on Monday.
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The atmosphere often felt unlike a typical World Cup fixture.
Parts of Iran’s national anthem were drowned out by whistles, while many others in the crowd sang along. Some supporters cheered Iran’s attacks and goals throughout the night, while others celebrated New Zealand’s goals with equal intensity.
WHY IS THIS FLAG BANNED?
The contrasting reactions reflected the different identities inside the stadium and highlighted the complicated relationship sections of the diaspora have with Team Melli and the state it represents.
The Lion and Sun emblem was used on Iran’s national flag before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and is no longer officially recognised by the country. Over the years, however, it has remained a powerful symbol among parts of the Iranian diaspora and anti-government groups.
The political backdrop surrounding Iran’s World Cup campaign had already been unusually tense.
IRAN BATTLE NOISE TO DRAW NEW ZEALAND
Iran entered the tournament amid strained ties with host nation the United States and based itself in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of staying on US soil full-time during the group stage. Reports also emerged that some members of the Iranian delegation had faced travel complications.
But once the game started, Iran fought through the noise.
New Zealand twice took the lead through Elijah Just, who combined well with captain Chris Wood, before Iran responded each time to earn a 2-2 draw.
Right back Ramin Rezaeian equalised in the first half before delivering the cross that Mohammad Mohebbi converted in the 64th minute to rescue a point.
Yet even after the final whistle, football felt secondary. For many in attendance, the night became less about the result and more about visibility, identity and the symbols carried into one of sport’s biggest stages.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
