Iranian soccer team wears green bands

Jerusalem Post ^ | 3-17-09

[truthandlife]

At least five Iranian football players wore green bands around their wrists or arms during a World Cup qualifying match against South Korea on Wednesday in an apparent protest against a disputed election at home.

The players, including captain Mehdi Mahdavikia, wore green - the signature color of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi - in an apparent show of support. Protesters at home who accuse the government of rigging Iran's June 12 election in favor of hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have been wearing similar green wristbands.

One player, Ali Karimi, had green bands wrapped around both wrists.

But by the second half, some had removed the green bands, which are not a regular part of their uniforms, amid speculation that they were ordered by their coach to do so. Mahdavikia kept his band on even during the second half.

Fans from Iran also showed their support for the demonstrations at home by staging a protest outside the stadium.

They unfurled a banner that read "Go to Hell Dictator," and chanted "Compatriots, we will be with you to the end with the same heart."

During the match, protesters waved the banner, held up green paper signs reading "Where is my vote?" and waved Iran's national flags emblazed with the plea "Free Iran."

Violent protests flared and allegations of voter fraud erupted in Iran following the announcement Saturday that Ahmadinejad had beaten Mousavi.

The game in Seoul ended in a 1-1 draw.

[truthandlife]

[Retired Greyhound]

Brave

[GeronL]

After the opposition is put down the left will insist that all is peaches and cream in Iran and everyone loves dear leader.

[1rudeboy]

I think the “soccer is for pussies” crowd should take note.

[DGHoodini]

We are about to find out, in the next 24 hours or so, ifg there is any difference between Khameni and Saddam Hussein.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

I pray for their safety.

[joejm65]

‘Brave’

Very brave. Those guys aren’t immune from harsh punishment at home.

[truthguy]

Don't look now but it's probable that what has happened in Iraq & Afghanistan over the last few years is driving what is happening in Iran. This was the strategy all along. That is to implode Iran by forcing changes on both sides. The changes for the better in Iraq and Afghanistan will force the situation. If this plays out the way I believe it will, history will prove George W. Bush correct. If it works out for the good the Democrats and the MSM will not give Bush the credit but will attribute all that happened to luck and said it would have happened regardless. We must not let them get away with this.

[1010RD]

Correct, but Obama will blow it. (on purpose)

[Churchillspirit]

Nah...the credit will be given to The Kenyan’s speech in Egypt.

[SunkenCiv]

At least five Iranian football players... including captain Mehdi Mahdavikia, wore green -- the signature color of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi -- in an apparent show of support. Protesters at home who accuse the government of rigging Iran's June 12 election in favor of hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have been wearing similar green wristbands. One player, Ali Karimi, had green bands wrapped around both wrists. But by the second half, some had removed the green bands, which are not a regular part of their uniforms, amid speculation that they were ordered by their coach to do so. Mahdavikia kept his band on even during the second half.

[gaijin]

Just wow!

[ml/nj]

They should have worn ORANGE !

ML/NJ

[berdie]

Well, the soccer “hooligans” DO know how to create havoc. :)