Iran's goalscorer Mohammad Mohebi is being accused of producing a 'gun celebration' in his nation's draw against New Zealand. Mohebi scored in the 64th minute to earn his side a draw in their opening match of the World Cup.
The 27-year-old midfielder has drawn some criticism for his celebration as he first placed two fingers towards his arm, before holding two fingers out on his right hand and wagging them about in the air. The action has come under the spotlight, given the volatility of Iran's place in the tournament in the United States.
The incident has caused backlash on social media with a number of accusations suggesting Mohebi produced a provocative action. A number of fans are calling for FIFA to review the gesture.
It is unclear whether the gesture was intended to replicate a firearm and FIFA have been approached for comment.
Fellow goalscorer, Ramin Rezaeian, admitted that his celebration was political after he netted Iran's first equaliser of the match. Rezaeian covered his face with his shirt as he ran towards fans.
He refused to discuss it following the game, however. “It’s something political (his goal celebration)," he said. "I don’t want to talk about that.
“We are here to answer football questions. If there is a problem between us (the Iranian people), it is between us.”
The team saw their national anthem booed before the match against New Zealand, while supporters also displayed pre-revolutionary flags in opposition to the regime currently in power. Iranian fans in the stands showed the Shir o Khorshid and were likely composed of the nation's diaspora in Los Angeles.
The Metropolitan Area is home to the largest number of Iranians due to the Iranian Diaspora following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The exact number of people of Iranian descent remains unknown, but it is estimated to be anywhere between 200,000 to 700,000.
The flag was banned by FIFA, and footage also showed one being confiscated during the match against New Zealand.
Iran were forced to swap their World Cup base from the United States to Mexico as a result of the conflict between the nation, the United States and Israel. The international side has been faced with visa issues for travelling to the US.
