Kolkata: Iranian footballer Vafa Hakhamaneshi celebrated his goal against with a message of solidarity for women of his home country. Hakhamaneshi pulled his shirt after scoring for Chennaiyin FC against East Bengal in the Indian Super League.
The center-back outpaced his defender at the near post to knock in the opening goal of the match from a corner, then rushed to the camera behind the net and lifted his jersey to reveal the statement written on his vest underneath:
#WOMEN
#LIFE
#FREEDOM
FOR…
11:11
However, Hakhamaneshi was discharged for football has strong rules regarding removing shirts during celebrations and even lifting shirts to display political statements. After collecting one caution for a poor foul in the 60th minute, he was shown the second after scoring nine minutes later.
The match ended 1 – 0, with the Iranian defender’s goal making the difference.
The 31 year-old joined Chennaiyin from Thai club Ratchaburi before this season. He began his career as a centre back for Iranian powerhouse Sepahan SC. After that (by 2020–21), he played for 10 clubs in his home country before shifting to the Thai League.
Currently, Iran is in the midst of a protes wave led by the women of their country. The women are breaking the hijab law as a display of opposition of the existing government. This might be a short message in support of those strong ladies from Hakhamaneshi to his country women.
Iranian players like Sardar Azmoun (of Bayer Leverkusen) had posted a strongly worded message on Instagram despite rules prohibiting the players from speaking out:
“The ultimate [punishment] is to be kicked out of the national team, which is a small price to pay for even a single strand of Iranian women’s hair. Shame on you for easily killing the people and viva women of Iran. Long live Iranian women!”
Sardar Azmoun, who plays for @bayer04_en & is now in Austria with Iran's national team for a friendly match against Senegal, says he couldn't remain silent despite the team's rules.
"I don't care if I'm sacked. Shame on you for killing people so easily. Viva Iranian women." pic.twitter.com/z3c0Et699g— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) September 25, 2022
Former footballer Ali Karimi wrote on twitter asking the Iranian army to support with the people and prevent “bloodshed” during the protests
ارتش ایران💚🤍❤️
یه وطن منتظر شماست
نزارید خون بیگناه ریخته بشه#مهسا_امینی pic.twitter.com/qHQWanBzAT— ali karimi (@alikarimi_ak8) September 22, 2022
