Iranian football fans faced a tricky balancing act yesterday as they prepared for a clash with South Korea in the midst of a religious holiday in which they are banned from expressing joy
Tehran: Iranian football fans faced a tricky balancing act yesterday as they prepared for a clash with South Korea in the midst of a religious holiday in which they are banned from expressing joy.
Many took part in mourning processions as they gathered at the Azadi ("freedom") stadium in Tehran to mark the eve of Ashura, one of the holiest days in the Iranian calendar. For Shiite Muslims, Ashura marks the death of Imam Hussein, and is traditionally a day of sombre processions.
So it proved controversial with religious leaders when AFC match was scheduled for the day before. "Bear in mind that if football is going to be played on the eve of the Ashura, the atmosphere of this match must be 100 percent in line with Ashura," warned leader Ayatollah Ali Movahedi Kermani.
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