The Iranian women’s team face the uncertain prospect of returning home after their embattled Women’s Asian Cup campaign ended in chaotic and physical scenes on the Gold Coast.
After their 2-0 defeat against the Philippines, which ended their tournament on Sunday, the team had to face dramatic scenes as protesters blocked their bus amid 15 minutes of mayhem as they tried to depart.
The demonstrators banged on the side of the vehicle and chanted “let them go”, leading to police intervention as they tackled and pushed the crowd of about 200 people.
As the bus crawled up the road, the Iranian players themselves were captured taking photos of the protest.
The unrest happened after the Philippines’ Sara Eggesvik and Chandler McDaniel netted the two game-defining goals to send Iran tumbling out of the tournament as they finished fourth in Group A.
Before the match, the Iranian players and coaches again sang the national anthem, displaying a military salute.
It was the second time they belted out the anthem in the tournament after they failed to perform it before their first game against South Korea last Monday.
Iran’s state television labelled them as “traitors” for not singing, saying the team was “the pinnacle of dishonour” as it came less than 48 hours after the US-Israel assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On Sunday, fans also held multiple flags of Imperial Iran, the official flag before the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
“We want to come back to Iran as soon as we can,” coach Marziyeh Jafari said. “I want to be with my country and home Iranians inside Iran. We are eager to come back.”
The Iranians now turn their attention to the future, as it is not known how or when they will be able to return to their homeland, given the conflict and fears that the regime could arrest the players on their return.
Former Socceroos captain Craig Foster has urged Fifa and the AFC to uphold their obligations to protect the safety of players.
A collection of 12 Iranian community organisations and civil society groups have sent a letter to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke outlining they have “grave concerns” for the team.
It is unclear what help Australia can or will offer, as Foreign Minister Penny Wong dead-batted questions of whether the federal government had contact with the footballers earlier on Sunday.
For the Philippines, the win is their first this tournament, but they will need results to go their way if they are to qualify for the play-offs as one of the two best third-placed contenders.