I find myself in a constant state of paradox with my thoughts, feelings and actions about everything that has been going on for the last 10 weeks.
This football thing has only made things worse….
I feel my brain constantly in battle with my heart and then there is my mouth and sub-conscious that don’t seem to get along either.
Before the tournament started I promised myself I won’t watch it at all. Why should I be watching a football tournament when my countrymen and women are being bashed, shot, kidnapped, raped and murdered?
As the build up to the start of the tournament was ramping up though I just knew I couldn’t resist. Afterall, I had been watching the last 10 tournaments and most of them didn’t even have Iran in them so it was possible to watch the world cup and not get caught up in the emotional turmoil of supporting TM, or so I thought. All I had to do was just boycott watching the Iran games…
Then, as the opening ceremony neared and football articles became more and more prominent in my thrice daily “Iran protests news” google searches, I became more and more intrigued with how the players were going to react to what’s going on at home on the world stage.
Got my son to help me open an instagram account so I can follow Ali Karimi and Ali Daei among a host of others. Figured if Ali Daei is now openly supporting the protests (I had always figured Daei as a khayemaal of the regime in his playing days), there’s bound to be others, and sure enough there was….
I felt vindicated in my decision to boycott TM when the dumb cunt players went and met with Raisi and started bowing to them. Definitely not watching these pricks now!
world cup roars around and with all the murmurs and whispers about whether the players were going to show a united front to “represent the people” or not, whether the English players were going to make a gesture for George Floyd/LGBT rights or Iranian people, I felt compelled to watch the pre game rituals.
The players not singing the anthem was a powerful statement. GOOD! Its the least those mofo’s can do! Too little, too late though, I thought at first. Switched the TV straight off….
Felt like it was for an eternity, but when I switched it back on, the game clock hadn’t even registered one full minute. “I’ll cheer on the English”, I said to myself. When Beiranvand got injured, I was not sad. I wasn’t celebrating, but definitely not sad. Part of me thought he deserved it after being the “bower in chief” at the government function the week earlier.
Then, the English goals flooded in. Not a care in the world. I may as well had been watching Suriname v Honduras.
Taremi pulled one back…. He didn’t celebrate, neither did I. But I knew this was a fucked up situation and I could no longer convince myself that I could boycott the games. I knew I couldn’t cheer for the team but I can’t cheer against them either. I said it was fucked up, didn’t I?
Fast forward to game 2. Players softly mouth the words to the IR anthem. I was incensed! “Tof be sharafeshoon”.
Game started and I felt another heavy defeat would have the exact same feeling as a victory. NUMBNESS, hollowness, emptiness!
All through the game I sat like a stunned mullet! Unable to FEEL anything!
When Cheshmi scored, I let out a loud “fuuuuuuuucken goooaaal” but it wasn’t followed by any outpouring of emotion the same way as I had celebrated similar goals before. Like Iran’s injury time winner against Lebanon in the qualifiers at 3:30 in the morning thank you very much.
I immediately felt guilty for even that half hearted, seemingly “involuntary reaction”. Second goal garnered no such reaction. Back to being a zombie fixated to the TV screen emotionless again.
at the conclusion of the match I simply walked out of the room, knocked on my daughter’s bedroom door and asked her politely to turn off the music. She was playing “Iran” by Ajam Band. I simply reminded her that although the second “I” I.R.I stands for Iran, this is not really Iran!
This morning, I woke up to the news that a draw against US will get IR’s team to the second round. I have started to realise, that regardless of whether the players sing the IR anthem in this game or not, whether they celebrate any goals scored or not, won’t make any difference to me. Nothing they do can convince me they are the “people’s team”. That’s why I can’t support them. But at the same time I can’t figure out why I can’t cheer against them. Only thing I know is that I’ll be watching the game, like a mesmerised zombie. Emotionless but emotional!
This football thing has only made things worse….
I feel my brain constantly in battle with my heart and then there is my mouth and sub-conscious that don’t seem to get along either.
Before the tournament started I promised myself I won’t watch it at all. Why should I be watching a football tournament when my countrymen and women are being bashed, shot, kidnapped, raped and murdered?
As the build up to the start of the tournament was ramping up though I just knew I couldn’t resist. Afterall, I had been watching the last 10 tournaments and most of them didn’t even have Iran in them so it was possible to watch the world cup and not get caught up in the emotional turmoil of supporting TM, or so I thought. All I had to do was just boycott watching the Iran games…
Then, as the opening ceremony neared and football articles became more and more prominent in my thrice daily “Iran protests news” google searches, I became more and more intrigued with how the players were going to react to what’s going on at home on the world stage.
Got my son to help me open an instagram account so I can follow Ali Karimi and Ali Daei among a host of others. Figured if Ali Daei is now openly supporting the protests (I had always figured Daei as a khayemaal of the regime in his playing days), there’s bound to be others, and sure enough there was….
I felt vindicated in my decision to boycott TM when the dumb cunt players went and met with Raisi and started bowing to them. Definitely not watching these pricks now!
world cup roars around and with all the murmurs and whispers about whether the players were going to show a united front to “represent the people” or not, whether the English players were going to make a gesture for George Floyd/LGBT rights or Iranian people, I felt compelled to watch the pre game rituals.
The players not singing the anthem was a powerful statement. GOOD! Its the least those mofo’s can do! Too little, too late though, I thought at first. Switched the TV straight off….
Felt like it was for an eternity, but when I switched it back on, the game clock hadn’t even registered one full minute. “I’ll cheer on the English”, I said to myself. When Beiranvand got injured, I was not sad. I wasn’t celebrating, but definitely not sad. Part of me thought he deserved it after being the “bower in chief” at the government function the week earlier.
Then, the English goals flooded in. Not a care in the world. I may as well had been watching Suriname v Honduras.
Taremi pulled one back…. He didn’t celebrate, neither did I. But I knew this was a fucked up situation and I could no longer convince myself that I could boycott the games. I knew I couldn’t cheer for the team but I can’t cheer against them either. I said it was fucked up, didn’t I?
Fast forward to game 2. Players softly mouth the words to the IR anthem. I was incensed! “Tof be sharafeshoon”.
Game started and I felt another heavy defeat would have the exact same feeling as a victory. NUMBNESS, hollowness, emptiness!
All through the game I sat like a stunned mullet! Unable to FEEL anything!
When Cheshmi scored, I let out a loud “fuuuuuuuucken goooaaal” but it wasn’t followed by any outpouring of emotion the same way as I had celebrated similar goals before. Like Iran’s injury time winner against Lebanon in the qualifiers at 3:30 in the morning thank you very much.
I immediately felt guilty for even that half hearted, seemingly “involuntary reaction”. Second goal garnered no such reaction. Back to being a zombie fixated to the TV screen emotionless again.
at the conclusion of the match I simply walked out of the room, knocked on my daughter’s bedroom door and asked her politely to turn off the music. She was playing “Iran” by Ajam Band. I simply reminded her that although the second “I” I.R.I stands for Iran, this is not really Iran!
This morning, I woke up to the news that a draw against US will get IR’s team to the second round. I have started to realise, that regardless of whether the players sing the IR anthem in this game or not, whether they celebrate any goals scored or not, won’t make any difference to me. Nothing they do can convince me they are the “people’s team”. That’s why I can’t support them. But at the same time I can’t figure out why I can’t cheer against them. Only thing I know is that I’ll be watching the game, like a mesmerised zombie. Emotionless but emotional!
Likes:
tajrish and IEI
Actually I did not say that TN was made to see Raiisi, although of course they were. I said heroes are hard to come by, that it is easy to expect others to heroic action given the circumstances. I accept to some extent the points above, yet feel it is one sided.
these young guys did refuse to sing the IRS anthem at great risk to themselves. That is a huge act of silent support as I suspect you would agree?
Even today, after many threats from
The authorities in Iran, some of the players did not sing this anthem, some just mumbled it to show where their sympathies lay. I do not view these as acts of insult. Likely this team is divided in their political views, some of them are for IR, just like obviously a sizeable minority of Iranians are for IR or that heinous regime would have been long gone. I believe the majority of the team is not for this government, but their hands are tied with their families and own safety on the line.
i also believe and this is supported by the world media that this team has won the respect of the world for Iran and for themselves too.
i feel you are more balanced in your views than some others who joined this site to vent their anger at anyone who says anything good about Team Melli. I believe it is possible to both wish our nations yeam
To do well in WC and to most definitely support our people in Iran and to mourn with them, to go to demonstrations outside Iran against this government of monsters. It is possible to hold both these views simultaneously, based on personal experience. And there are others on this site who share this view as well.
with respect.
these young guys did refuse to sing the IRS anthem at great risk to themselves. That is a huge act of silent support as I suspect you would agree?
Even today, after many threats from
The authorities in Iran, some of the players did not sing this anthem, some just mumbled it to show where their sympathies lay. I do not view these as acts of insult. Likely this team is divided in their political views, some of them are for IR, just like obviously a sizeable minority of Iranians are for IR or that heinous regime would have been long gone. I believe the majority of the team is not for this government, but their hands are tied with their families and own safety on the line.
i also believe and this is supported by the world media that this team has won the respect of the world for Iran and for themselves too.
i feel you are more balanced in your views than some others who joined this site to vent their anger at anyone who says anything good about Team Melli. I believe it is possible to both wish our nations yeam
To do well in WC and to most definitely support our people in Iran and to mourn with them, to go to demonstrations outside Iran against this government of monsters. It is possible to hold both these views simultaneously, based on personal experience. And there are others on this site who share this view as well.
with respect.
Likes:
Sporthead and IEI
Not seeing TM and its glories has taken a backseat for many (not talking these boards) for now is not others fault. Your passion is not shared at the moment by them. It's that bad that they have basij on tanks wave the flag vs people on the streets.
Likes:
IEI and HalaMadrid
TM could have been the gas on the fire for this revolution but they chose to be a speed bump. This was at the worst possible time as IR was showing signs of fatigue and succumbing (Even meeting with their safety valves). This team could be the cause of more torture, rapes and executions. Let us hope that US gives them a beating and get the revolution on track. There will be so many world cups and other tourneys to compete in but if IR stays we are doomed.
In its tradition of divide and conquer, the Islamic republic and its security forces were able to usurp team Melli for themselves in one day! Team Melli and its passionate fans, and their celebrations that always exposed the unpopularity of the regime are now claimed for themselves. How ironic that the very security forces that kept watchful eyes on the fearless youth to ensure strict compliance, and often were called into action to use force, were the ones celebrating while the revolutionary youth watched on in disbelief!
It is unlikely that anyone on the team still supports the regime, after what has been happening, beating and killing of women and children in the streets, and the great majority of the players know that they are from the people, for the people, and with the people. And people know that the team belongs to them, and no one should be allowed to take it away from them, even the conning mullahs!
TEAM MELLI PLAYERS, and people of Iran, must be vigilant not to allow cracks between them by the same tyrannical force that oppresses them both. Remember what Ali Karimi said. He said he wished he were on the team so could try to make a group statement that they will not play, unless and until Voria, their friend and team mate, and other prisoners of the demonstrations are all freed. This requires no anti-regime slogans, no fighting, very civil request! What can they do? Arrest you all? Arrest all your families? In front of the whole world?! There’s nothing they can do, but to bow to your demands. That will be the biggest win, regardless of what happens on the field, and it will restore the love affair between the team and the people. And then if you really want, you can go on to win and with every win make a new demand! Win or lose, you will be remembered forever as heroes!! Tarry not!!
It is unlikely that anyone on the team still supports the regime, after what has been happening, beating and killing of women and children in the streets, and the great majority of the players know that they are from the people, for the people, and with the people. And people know that the team belongs to them, and no one should be allowed to take it away from them, even the conning mullahs!
TEAM MELLI PLAYERS, and people of Iran, must be vigilant not to allow cracks between them by the same tyrannical force that oppresses them both. Remember what Ali Karimi said. He said he wished he were on the team so could try to make a group statement that they will not play, unless and until Voria, their friend and team mate, and other prisoners of the demonstrations are all freed. This requires no anti-regime slogans, no fighting, very civil request! What can they do? Arrest you all? Arrest all your families? In front of the whole world?! There’s nothing they can do, but to bow to your demands. That will be the biggest win, regardless of what happens on the field, and it will restore the love affair between the team and the people. And then if you really want, you can go on to win and with every win make a new demand! Win or lose, you will be remembered forever as heroes!! Tarry not!!
Dude ,it would be a great shame to lose you ,only the other you were telling me to stay...
I feel your frustration and a sense of betrayal by the site admin ...
Internet is full of vermin and smoke screens , some xharacter been here few months posting 500 post a day all about the same agenda , clearly a troll and he is upgraded to elite member status, another vermin will follow suit and apear outofnowhere and start the same shit ...
Don't give them the pleasure of your time and ignore them , but do give a few of us genuine members the pleasure of your valuable time to enjoy reading your comments .
Admin you are not handling this very well, backing these unknown new users against valued old time members and its not your first time.
There's a political forum for anyone who wants to say anything they like.
Can't you as admin keep this football forum just about football ?
Why are you driving away old members for the sake of these trolls ?
I feel your frustration and a sense of betrayal by the site admin ...
Internet is full of vermin and smoke screens , some xharacter been here few months posting 500 post a day all about the same agenda , clearly a troll and he is upgraded to elite member status, another vermin will follow suit and apear outofnowhere and start the same shit ...
Don't give them the pleasure of your time and ignore them , but do give a few of us genuine members the pleasure of your valuable time to enjoy reading your comments .
Admin you are not handling this very well, backing these unknown new users against valued old time members and its not your first time.
There's a political forum for anyone who wants to say anything they like.
Can't you as admin keep this football forum just about football ?
Why are you driving away old members for the sake of these trolls ?
This is called freedom of speech. I just made a thread for those who want to support TM with no talk about politics, it is easy:
http://forums.iransportspress.com/index.php?threads/tm-fan-support-page.88647/
http://forums.iransportspress.com/index.php?threads/tm-fan-support-page.88647/
On top of the football Forum it says
STRICTLY FOOTBALL DISCUSSION
So why do you need to open a single thread to discuss football?
You Don't even follow your own rules 🙄
You sound like the BBC, when the shah's regime complained about its meddling into Iranian affairs, UK government used to say they are independent and we have no control over the corporation, yeah right ! Freedom of speech allowing these strangers out of nowhere apear and insult old members.
STRICTLY FOOTBALL DISCUSSION
So why do you need to open a single thread to discuss football?
You Don't even follow your own rules 🙄
You sound like the BBC, when the shah's regime complained about its meddling into Iranian affairs, UK government used to say they are independent and we have no control over the corporation, yeah right ! Freedom of speech allowing these strangers out of nowhere apear and insult old members.