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The year was 2003 and the USA had just invaded Iraq with the support of, among others, Great Britain. French President Jacques Chirac refused to endorse the war, leading to one of the largest political crises between Western allies in modern times.
In London, Robert Pirès expressed his opposition to the war.
– The French players at Arsenal are proud of Chirac’s position and support him. Many people are against this war. “If we have to stop playing to show that we are against the war, then why not,” Arsenal’s French midfielder said on French radio.
The London club later released a statement in which Robert Pirès said: “Despite my views on the Iraq War, I would like to make it clear that I am fully focused on Arsenal and have never said that I would refuse to play for the club in protest against the war.”
Spring 2003 There were reports of factions in the Arsenal dressing room arising as a result of the war. The team was coached by Arsène Wenger and boasted a long line of French stars at the time.
When The Sun tabloid was at its most bellicose, the newspaper published a dart board that readers could cut out and throw darts at. In the middle: Jacques Chirac. To his right: Robert Pirès.
The publication was given the headline “Open fire against the traitors!”
The one now a week old The war in the Middle East has not yet given the same sound to water in Europe. But in Iran this spring, football is an unmistakable gauge of opinion.
During popular protests against the regime in Tehran in January, supporters chanted anti-regime protesters during the game between the top teams in Iran’s top league.
Now there is growing concern about what will happen to the players after they return to Iran.
Iran’s participation in this summer’s men’s World Cup remains highly uncertain with three months to go.
At the FIFA Women’s Asian Cup currently taking place in Australia, the Iranian national team players refused to sing the national anthem before the game against South Korea last Monday. It was an obvious – and very courageous – protest against the Iranian regime on the first day of the invasion. Both outside and in the arena, Australian Iranian exiles chanted chants directed against the Ayatollah regime.
Iranian state television described the women’s national team as “shameless traitors” who “must be dealt with.” Four days later, Iran faced Australia, and this time the players not only sang the national anthem, but simultaneously raised their hands to their foreheads and gave a military salute. Now there is growing concern about what will happen to the players after they return to Iran.
On Thursday, Donald Trump accepted against Inter Miami at the White House after Lionel Messi and his teammates won the North American Soccer League. Trump began his speech by praising the Argentine star and then took the opportunity to hold a news conference about the war. While the President of the United States boasted about supposed successes in the Middle East, Messi and others became supporters of the war.
What is only to be feared is the beginning of a major war in the Middle East, the divisions between Western countries begin to take on vague contours
This weekend, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner received a lot of criticism for applauding the US President’s speech. Comparisons with his compatriot Diego Maradona, a lifelong critic of American imperialism, have flooded social media.
While there are fears that there is only the beginning of a major war in the Middle East, the divisions between Western countries are beginning to take on vague contours. Unlike in 2003, no European government has fully endorsed the US-Israeli attacks on Iran or actively decided to participate in them.
Prime Minister of Spain However, Pedro Sánchez has clearly stated that the invasion constitutes a violation of international law. The ultras of the Turkish club Eskisehirspor have since then joined their audience chant with the recurring Spanish “Olé!” changed. Chants supported Spain’s refusal to allow the US to use its military bases.
We can expect more unexpected alliances in the football stands in the future.
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