Iran-Mexico soccer game leads to clashes in several Iranian cities

SMCCDI:

Jun 12, 2006, 01:32

Unrest, sporadic clashes and attack of some public buildings and materials happened in several Iranian cities, yesterday night, following Iran's 3-1 loss to Mexico in the frame of the 2006 Soccer World Cup.

Angry supporters expressed their hostility, against the Islamic regime and in cities, such as, Tehran, Ahvaz, Shiraz and Esfahan. Several were injured or arrested by the Islamic regime's security forces and plainclothes men.

Many Iranians had gathered with the hope of seeing Iran's victory, especially, after witnessing Iran's net dominance of Mexico, during the first haf time. But the anger arised after the astonishing and sudden mediocre game played, by Iran's National Team, during the second half time and immediately following the return of the players to the field.

Already many Iranians were speaking about the way that most members of the Iranian team had refused to chant the mandatory Islamic republic anthem, which was very noticeable during the televised transmission. Many were already speaking about the repressive consequenses for these maverick players and how their refusal had put more shame on the theocratic regime, at a time that it needed to show as much support as possible for its illegitimate rule.

Rumors spreaded quickly that the Islamic regime has forced again the Iranian players to lose, in order to punish them and to avoid massive celebrations and hostile popular gatherings at a time that it faces pressure and an increased world wide attention.

These rumors were boosted following the sudden childish way that Iran's goal keeper and a defender sent the ball, resulting in Mexico's second goal, in the feet of Omar Bravo. "It was like it was made based on an order" many were saying.

Many experts were sure of Iran's victory following the way it played, during the first half time, and as, especially, the main Mexican player was pulled off of the game due to an injury, and the fact that Mexico had used all its exchanges.

Many remember how Iran's National Soccer Team was forced to lose to Bahrain, four years ago. Several players had mentionned this fact but were quickly silenced due to threats made against their family members.

That forced loss had put an immediate stop to consecutive nightly gatherings and anti-regime demos.

A victory against Mexico would have, for sure, lead to a night full of problem for the Islamic regime, such as, those witnessed in year 2000 and during what became famous as Iran Soccer Riots. Underground groups would have used a much massive popular presence in order to transform a night of popular celebration into another nightmare for the Islamist clerics and technocrats.