Title: A Rival’s Claim: Esteglal Official Alleges Coordinated Fan Behavior at Football Match
In a recent development concerning Iranian football, an official from one of the country’s premier clubs has made a significant claim about the conduct of a rival team’s supporters.
The Allegation from Esteglal
Ali Tajernia, the Managing Director of Esteghlal FC, has publicly commented on a controversial video circulating from a match involving their rivals, Persepolis FC. Tajernia stated that the verbal abuse and chants from Persepolis supporters in the stands appeared to be a pre-planned action. He further asserted that players from the Persepolis team actively participated alongside the fans.
Claims of Pre-Meditation
Central to Tajernia’s statement is the allegation of organization. He was quoted as saying, “That verbal abuse from Persepolis spectators on the stands was planned in advance, and the players of this team also accompanied the spectators.” He bolstered this claim by adding, “If this chanting and verbal abuse had not been organized beforehand, it would have been impossible for this to happen.”
The incident highlights the intense and historic rivalry between two of Iran’s most prominent football institutions. Such statements from high-ranking club officials bring increased scrutiny to fan behavior and the overall atmosphere within the nation’s sports arenas.