BBC World Service Australasia

The Essential

News

A chance to hear extracts from some of our most thought provoking broadcasts.

The Essential: BBC Trending: Iran’s Sombre Soccer Victory

Magazines & Reviews

Iran’s Sombre Soccer Victory

17/10/2016 GMT

BBC Trending: Iran’s Sombre Soccer Victory

BBC World Service - The Essential, BBC Trending: Iran’s Sombre Soccer Victory

How a ban on cheering led to a new way to support the Iranian football team

When an important football match in Iran fell on a day of public mourning, fans took to social media to find a new way to support their team.

When an important football match for Iran’s national team fell on a day of public mourning, the country’s religious leaders imposed strict rules on how fans could show their support. Cheering was banned, and only religious chanting would be tolerated. In response, Iranian social media users found an innovative way to support their team.

(Photo: Fist against grey background. Credit: Shutterstock)

BBC World Service

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Essential

BBC Trending: Iran’s Sombre Soccer Victory

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service Australasia

About BBC World Service