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Iranwire – Iranian security forces have both verbally and physically assaulted football fans who had gathered peacefully near the Tehran hotel housing Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo and his Saudi team, Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo and his teammates arrived in Tehran on September 18 for an Asian Champions League match against Persepolis the next day, sparking scenes of chaos in the Iranian capital.
Hundreds of fans chased the Al-Nassr bus and then stormed the team’s hotel to catch a glimpse of the football star, despite attempts by security personnel to prevent them.
After a chaotic and mismanaged reception yesterday, the fans were beaten to prevent them from watching the game which is going to be played in an empty stadium. https://t.co/v8UbMINdeZ pic.twitter.com/dxQ8QWUFel— IranWire (@IranWireEnglish) September 19, 2023
Meanwhile, “plainclothes forces and special units suddenly attacked individuals who were peacefully showing support for Persepolis without engaging in any disruptive activities,” an eyewitness told IranWire.
“They had no intention of approaching the hotel or interacting with Ronaldo. Yet, they were beaten with batons and subjected to offensive language,” the witness added.
This witness pointed out that the incident occurred in the presence of family members of fans within the crowd.
