Iran players leave message in dressing room after anger over travel restrictions

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran's national football team left a message in their SoFi Stadium locker room following their 0-0 draw with Belgium which read: "From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity."The team has been operating under specific travel restrictions, commuting to the US from their base in Tijuana, Mexico, for their Group G fixtures, with some team staff and officials being barred from entry. Iran's coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has repeatedly criticised these unique travel limitations, while US officials are reportedly reviewing the arrangements with discussions aimed at potentially easing some restrictions. Despite the team's appreciative gesture, the Iranian national anthem was loudly booed before the Belgium clash, continuing a hostile reception also experienced during their opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the stadium before the game, displaying anti-Iranian government signs and flags, to voice their opposition to the country’s regime and its crackdown on pro-democracy activists. In full‘We leave with dignity’: Iran players write heartfelt note in SoFi dressing room after World Cup draw with BelgiumThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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