Ramin Rezaeian responded sharply after being asked about the booing of Iran’s national anthem following their World Cup opener.
The Iran defender had already played a central role on the pitch, scoring as Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The post-match exchange came after fans were heard booing and whistling during the anthem before kick off.
Ramin Rezaeian responds to anthem booing question
Rezaeian was asked after the game about the reaction from sections of the crowd during Iran’s national anthem.
His answer was direct. He said: “If there is any problem between us, it is our business, it is none of your business.”
He added that any issue between Iranians was for Iranians to resolve. The response was firm, but the article must keep the focus on what was said rather than reading intent into his tone.
The question came after a match that carried wider political tension around Iran’s presence at the tournament.
Iran’s World Cup opener carried wider tension
Iran’s build-up has included reported travel and visa issues, adding another layer to their opening fixture in the United States.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei had said Iran were there to represent Iranians inside Iran and in the diaspora, which framed the team’s public message before the game.
On the pitch, Iran twice came from behind. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, while Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi found the net for Iran.
Iran left the opener with one point, while Rezaeian’s post-match answer became part of the wider story around a politically charged start to their World Cup campaign.
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