Iran Reportedly Threatens National Soccer Team’s Families Ahead Of U.S. Match

Iran officers have reportedly threatened the households of their nationwide soccer workforce’s gamers forward of their big recreation with the U.S. — insisting if they do not “behave” for the competition, “violence and torture” might ensue again house.

CNN, citing a World Cup safety supply, reported Monday that members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps met just lately with its nation’s gamers to get the purpose throughout.

Iranian gamers had beforehand proven assist for protestors of their house nation by refusing to sing its nationwide anthem earlier than its recreation towards England again on Nov. 21. But, earlier than their recreation towards Wales simply days later, gamers as soon as once more participated within the music.

According to CNN, the IRGC has made it clear to gamers it expects no additional protests within the World Cup — together with when the workforce kicks off its massively essential contest with the U.S. on Tuesday … or the implications may very well be dire.

Circumstances surrounding the group stage matchup had already been tense … after the U.S. altered an Iranian flag on social media this previous weekend to point out assist for the protests within the overseas nation.

Iran’s state media had requested FIFA besides the U.S. out of World Cup motion over all of it.

USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter ended up apologizing Monday for the posts … however insisted he and his workforce had nothing to do with them, and have been solely centered on Tuesday’s recreation.