The fan who had an Israeli flag taken off him during Iran’s World Cup Group G clash with New Zealand has been identified and has commented on the situation.
The Iranian national team have faced issues during the tournament already, with head coach Amir Ghalenoei recently claiming his squad were told ‘You have to leave immediately’ following their opening match of the competition against New Zealand.
During that tie, a video did the rounds on social media of a fan having an Israeli flag confiscated while inside the stadium, and the supporter in question has spoken out.
Fan who had Israeli flag confiscated at Iran World Cup game speaks
Fox News covered the story and the video, in which a female Apex security member told the fan carrying the flag: “The only flags that are allowed to be out are the teams that are playing.”
However, when she was notified that a Palestinian flag was not confiscated during the same game, she is said to have responded: “Oh, I don’t know.”
Now, Fox say they have spoken to the supporter who had the Israeli flag, and his name is Rony.
Speaking about the incident to the news outlet, he said: “We love our boys. Even when we came into the stadium, we didn’t have any problems with anyone… We were actually getting a lot of love and support. I was not expecting this outcome whatsoever.
“I saw flags from all around the world. There’s flags from Lebanon, Mexico, everywhere, from all walks of the world, there’s flags. So it took me by surprise that they were doing that to me and singling me out.
“They said they don’t have a problem with their flags, and they only have an issue with ours. They had no marching orders in order to take their flag, or anyone else’s flag. It was pretty embarrassing…”
It is not the first time the US has been making headlines for non-football-related reasons at the World Cup this summer.
The visa issues and treatment of the Uruguay national team have been key talking points as well.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
