England opened their World Cup campaign in Qatar with a confident 6-2 thumping of Iran on Monday.
Gareth Southgate’s men dominated the match which saw England top the group after just one match as they head into a tough game against the United States on Friday.
Many commentators discussed the OneLove armband not being on show, with FIFA threatening to give yellow cards to players who display them, and the fact the English team took the knee ahead of kick off.
Iran refused to sing the national anthem ahead of kick off
Mike Egerton
Some of the conversation has been around the decision of the Iranian players who chose not to sing the national anthem, in a stance against the regime in their country.
But following the crushing defeat, images were shared on social media showing Iranians celebrating the loss.
Speaking to Bev Turner on GB News, Iranian-born YouTuber Mahyar Tousi said the fans don’t see the team as representing the nation.
“The players didn’t sing, but people in Iran? They don’t care about that.
“They’re into symbolism, but they do not like virtue signalling. They were against their own team because they say you shouldn’t have even gone. "
Iranian-born YouTuber Mahyar Tousi
GB News
He added: “There are people being killed on the streets, your own relatives, your own friends. You should’ve have just not gone. You should stay and fight.
“There are videos of the Iranians in Iran celebrating England beating their own team. They say the team is representing the Islamic regime.
“They don’t see it as representing the nation.”
