On Monday, Iran’s football federation announced indefinite bans for two players due to their “immoral acts” during goal celebrations, according to a report from state television’s website.
These incidents, which have drawn condemnation from officials and commentators, occurred during a live league match between Persepolis Tehran and Damash Gilan, viewed by millions of Iranians on national television.
Video evidence displays Persepolis defender Mohammad Nosrati pinching the bottom of his teammate Sheys Rezaei while they celebrated a goal against Damash.
During the final moments of the match, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Persepolis, Rezaei was also seen squeezing an unidentified teammate in celebration.
“Nosrati and Rezaei have been indefinitely banned from all football activities due to their immoral acts,” stated Ismail Hasanzadeh, head of the Iran Football Federation’s disciplinary committee, as reported on the website.
Additionally, both players have been suspended from Persepolis, a widely supported club backed by the government, and are required to pay a fine of 500 million rials (approximately $40,000) each.
Despite claiming that their gestures were not intended to be offensive, Nosrati and Rezaei are currently under further investigation, with the possibility of facing a prolonged ban, according to Hasanzadeh.
For years, the Iran Football Federation has aimed to enforce strict guidelines to limit what it describes as immoral behavior on the playing field, as well as the use of foul language by players and fans in stadiums throughout the Islamic republic.
by Buford Balony
