Iran players labelled 'wartime traitors' after refusal to sing anthem in Asian Cup opener

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iran/jFKGXQSG/"]Iran ‌[/a]are playing in the continental tournament even as ‌a military conflict escalates back home after the United ‌States and Israel launched air strikes over the ‌weekend, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.[/p][p]Their players stood in silence when Iran's anthem was played ‌at the Gold Coast ahead of their ⁠[a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/iran-jFKGXQSG/south-korea-6LgUhbye/?mid=YTlQR4YP"]3-0 opening loss[/a] ‌to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/south-korea/6LgUhbye/"]South Korea[/a] on Monday, though they sang and saluted ​before a [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/australia-YXMhvJho/iran-jFKGXQSG/?mid=nyiWzrBt"]4-0 defeat[/a] by hosts [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/australia/YXMhvJho/"]Australia[/a] three days later.[/p][p]Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting ​presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said in a video that the players showed a lack of patriotism ⁠and their actions amounted ​to the "pinnacle of dishonour" in footage circulating widely on social media.[/p][p][b]"Let me just say one thing: traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely," ‌[/b]Shahbazi said.[/p][p][b]"Anyone who takes a step against the country under war conditions must be dealt with more severely. Like this matter of our women's football team not singing the national anthem ... these people must be dealt with more severely."[/b][/p][p]Reuters has contacted the Asian Football Confederation for comment. Reuters has also contacted the Iran football federation and the team ‌at the Asian Cup for comment.[/p][p]Ahead of their ​game against Australia, Iran forward [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/didar-sara/ziAr2KXf/"]Sara Didar[/a] fought ‌back tears and spoke about the war while coach Marziyeh Jafari said her players were doing their best to focus on the tournament despite concern for their families back home.[/p][p]Iran face ⁠the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/philippines/CINRvtL5/"]Philippines[/a] on ⁠Sunday in their final ‌group match.[/p]