"Traitors in Wartime Must Be Dealt With More Severely": Iranian Women's National Team Players Attacked Over Asia Cup Conduct

An Iranian state television presenter described the country's women's national football team players as "traitors in wartime" for not singing the national anthem before their match against South Korea at the Asian Cup in Australia.

Iran is participating in the continental tournament despite the "American-Israeli war on the country," which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian players stood silent during the playing of the national anthem in Gold Coast, Australia, before their 0-3 loss to South Korea last Monday. However, they sang the anthem before their 0-4 defeat to Australia yesterday, Thursday.

Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, a presenter for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), stated in a widely circulated video on social media that the players' actions reflected "a lack of patriotism," considering what they did to be "the peak of shame."

Shahbazi added, "Let me say one thing: traitors in wartime must be dealt with more severely."

He continued, "Anyone who takes a step against the country under wartime conditions must be dealt with strictly. The issue of the women's football team not singing the national anthem... must be dealt with more severely."

Iran is scheduled to conclude its group stage campaign in the Asian Cup with a match against the Philippines this coming Sunday.