Qatar: Fans divided over 'flag' row ahead of decisive Iran vs USA World Cup showdown

Football fans in Doha appeared split over whether political rows - specifically the one over a social media post concerning Iran’s national flag - would affect the must-win World Cup clash between Iran and the USA on Tuesday. "I think it's gonna be fully charged, hundred percent, both sides. I think that history obviously adds fuel to the fire, so we will see what happens," said Doug Lynch from New Jersey. Footage shows fans of both sides in the Souq Waqif market area of Doha. Tensions were heightened on Sunday after the US side posted an image of the Group B standings on Twitter, with the Iranian flag in green, white and red but without its Islamic Republic emblem. The US Soccer Federation said it was to show 'support for the women of Iran', following protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, arrested by Tehran’s morality police for allegedly not wearing the hijab correctly. "In terms of the US and the whole protest with the flag on social media, that is unfortunate, cause I think that is disrespecting Islamic culture itself," Lynch continued. However, an Iranian supporter from Dallas, Shervin Sharifi, backed the move. "That was a great moment, to see our opponent kind of siding with the protesters at home, symbolising that they recognise a free Iran." Iran’s state media agency Tasnim called for the USA to be kicked out of the tournament over the move, as well as a 10-game suspension. The match kicks off at 19:00 GMT, while a victory for either side would put them through to the last 16. A draw might also be enough for Iran, depending on the result of England vs Wales. "Tonight the politics will not come into it," predicted Ahmad Barkhodar. "Tonight is about the Iranian teammates playing for their nation, and they have the nation behind them, and they will win tonight. It's the only way." The last time Iran faced the US at the World Cup was back in 1998 when the streets of Tehran erupted in celebration following a 2-1 victory. Copied from page https://www.ruptly.tv/en/videos/20221129-023-qatar-fans-divided-over-flag-row-ahead-of-decisive-iran-vs-usa-world-cup-showdown