Iran soccer players labelled 'wartime traitors'

An Iranian state television presenter has labelled the women's national ​soccer team as "wartime traitors" after the players did not sing their national anthem before their Asian Cup opener against South Korea in Australia ​earlier this week.



Iran are playing ⁠in the continental tournament even as a military conflict escalates back home after the United States and Israel launched air strikes over the weekend, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.



Their ​players stood in silence when Iran's anthem was played at the Gold Coast ahead of their 3-0 opening loss to South Korea , though they sang ​and saluted before a 4-0 defeat by hosts Australia three days later.



Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said in a video that the players showed a lack of patriotism and their actions amounted to the "pinnacle of dishonour" in footage circulating widely on social media.