Iran fans clash in World Cup game against Wales as flags are confiscated in unsavory scenes

Iran's chaotic political situation boiled over at the 2022 World Cup with fans battling amongst themselves outside the stadium for their second group game against Wales. Mass protests have swept across Iran since September in response to the death of Mahsa Amini.

Iran's World Cup opener against England saw its players boycott by singing the national anthem before the match. Demonstrations against the Iranian government spilled into the stadium earlier in the week, with anti-government placards reading: 'Women, Life and Freedom'.

And those protests have now seen Iranian fans clash in Qatar in their game against Wales. Pro-government supporters reportedly harass anti-government supporters outside the stadium for their second World Cup game.

Persian pre-revolutionary Iranian flags are said to have been "confiscated" by pro-government supporters from their compatriots. Matches of shouting were heard between the two groups of supporters with chants of "Women, Life, Freedom" answered by "The Islamic Republic".

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Several female fans were said to have been visibly shaken after being surrounded outside the stadium. The protests continued into the ground as the Iranian national anthem was loudly booed by hundreds of fans inside the stadium.

Most of the Iranian players were spotted quietly singing the national anthem, although all of them performed discreet figures on the pitch. It has been suggested that the players and their families are facing reprisals in Iran for refusing to sing the national anthem earlier this week.

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But Mehdi Taremi denied that there is pressure from the Iranian government on their position. "I don't like to talk about political issues, but we are under no pressure," Taremi said.

"I knew this kind of question was going to be asked but whatever I say, it won't matter because some people will write what they want to write. So I prefer to talk about political issues only in private or on my own social networks.

"We came to play football, not just us but all the players here in Qatar. Myself and thousands of people like me have the power to make a difference."