Title: Esteghlal Veteran Praises Sportsmanship, Calls for Professionalism in Iranian Football
In a recent interview, Mehdi Fanouni-Zadeh, a veteran of Esteghlal Football Club, highlighted the importance of professional conduct and ethical behavior in sports, using the recent match between Persepolis and Esteghlal Khuzestan as a case study. His comments underscored a commitment to the core values that strengthen Iranian football.
A Model of Professional Conduct
Fanouni-Zadeh began by commending Karim Bagheri, a member of the Persepolis and national team technical staff, for his consistent professionalism.
“Karim Bagheri has always been a respectable figure in my eyes,” Fanouni-Zadeh stated. “From his time as a player to his current role, he has always carried himself with dignity, ethics, and politeness, demonstrating that he is a man of great character. Iranian football needs individuals like him—those whose behavior reminds us of the true values of sport.”
Navigating Post-Match Tensions
The Esteghlal veteran addressed the unfortunate incidents of disrespect from some Persepolis fans towards Esteghlal during the recent match. He expressed his expectation for club management to exercise wisdom in such situations.
“In such conditions, it was expected that the Persepolis managers would act with foresight and calm the situation with a simple apology,” he remarked. “Unfortunately, instead of doing this, they engaged in deflection and diverted the issue. In this context, the only person who reacted correctly with his principles and ethics was Karim Bagheri, who sincerely apologized to the Esteghlal fans—a gesture that is commendable to all.”
A Lesson in Sportsmanship
Fanouni-Zadeh emphasized that Bagheri’s action was a significant example for Iranian football, proving that ethical individuals remain active in the sport.
“This move by Bagheri showed that there are still ethical and conscientious people in Iranian football,” he said. “With a short sentence, he brought respect and politeness back to the game and proved that greatness is not just about fame or championships, but about one’s principles and character. I hope others learn from him that sometimes one apology is worth more than a hundred interviews.”
Looking Ahead with Resolve
Concluding his remarks, the Esteghlal icon looked forward to the upcoming city derby with a firm and determined outlook.
“Be assured that Esteghlal will appear in the derby with full strength,” Fanouni-Zadeh asserted. “The players and technical staff know well that they must respond to these disrespectful actions on the pitch with a sweet victory. We will answer any disrespect with our football and the result, and this will be the best lesson for our rival.”