Iran team sings anthem at World Cup after previously staying silent amid protests – Crowd boos and jeers as players sing, some with their eyes closed; Iranian fans seen crying in stadium; pro-government fans harass anti-government soccer supporters | Timesofisrael

Iran’s team sang the national anthem ahead of their World Cup game against Wales in Qatar on Friday, days after the players remained silent in apparent support for anti-government protesters in their homeland.
As the anthem began, the crowd in the stadium erupted into loud jeers and boos.
Some of the players closed their eyes as they sang, others barely mumbled the words.