Soccer game leads to political violence in Tehran

SMCCDI (Information Service):

Hundreds of protesters clashed with Islamic regime's security forces at the issue of a soccer game played, on Saturday evening, at the Tehran's "Azadi Stadium" (formerly known as Aryamehr and re-named by the Islamic regime as 'Freedom').

Anti-regime slogans were followed by heavy damages made to tens of collective buses and several security patrol cars in retaliation to the brutal attacks made by the militiamen. Barricades were set on Tehran-Karaj highway and neighboring roads and tires were set ablaze in order to slow the security forces movement.

Tens of protesters and security agents were injured during the clashes. READ MORE

The game played, between the Persepolis and Esteghlal (former Taj) teams, was already re-scheduled to Saturday due to security concerns. The Islamic regime had preferred to schedule the game on a week day instead of Friday. Official threats were made against 'those who would create unrest' and Commander Tala-i and his staff were present at the stadium in order to supervise a force strong of 5,000 members.

Soccer protests are a well known phenomenon in Iran. Many Iranians have started to use, since 2000, the games as an occasion to protest and defy the regime. Tens have been killed in cities, such as, Tehran and Esfahan.

Many believe that a ban of the Iranian National Soccer Team from the upcoming 2006 World cup, would in reality help the Clerical regime as Iranians would be deprived of several occasions for protesting. Such ban can take place if the UN sanctions, fully, Iran due to the Islamic regime's nuclear activities.