Iranian Players banned for immoral celebration

[Clevelandmo]

A butt squeeze. And the victim appeared to not like it but then he returned the gesture later. I feel bad for the banned player. When it's okay for grown men to roll around on the ground together or kiss and hug after a goal, he naturally thought a butt squeeze would be okay.


here's the return offense.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)—Iranian state TV says two players have been suspended from the country’s professional soccer league for an “immoral” goal-scoring celebration.

The report Monday says Mohammed Nosrati of Persepolis squeezed the backside of teammate Sheis Rezaei while the Tehran team’s players celebrated a goal against Damash Gilan. After Persepolis scored again in the 3-2 victory, YouTube footage appears to show Rezaei squeezing an unidentified teammate.

Nosrati and Rezaei say they did not intend to offend. Iran TV said they were indefinitely banned from entering any stadium and could face more sanctions.

Saturday’s game was broadcast live to millions in the Islamic country that for years has tried to curb rowdy on-field behavior and foul language by players and spectators.

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=ap-iran-immoralbehavior

[nevzter]

The punishment is not surprising and neither is the act of celebration given that the majority of the Iranian population respects western culture, however, they're ruled by religious zealots.

Within the past couple of years I know that I saw Persepolis in competing for a spot in the Club World Cup (maybe Asian Cup?) on a late night Fox Soccer Broadcast.

And, has Iran allowed women into football stadiums yet????