US scrubs Islamic emblem from Iran flag

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The US soccer federation is displaying Iran’s national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic, saying it supports protesters in Iran ahead of the nations’ World Cup match on Tuesday.

The federation said in a statement on Sunday it had decided to forego the official flag on social media accounts to show “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights”.

The move comes as nationwide protests challenging Tehran’s theocratic government continue in Iran.

The Twitter account of the US men’s team displayed a banner with the squad’s matches in the group stage, with the Iranian flag only bearing its green, white and red colours.

Tweet from @galcaop

The same could be seen in a post on its Facebook and Instagram accounts laying out the point totals so far in its group.

The US soccer federation displayed the official Iranian flag in a graphic showing Group B standings on its website.

The absence of the emblem comes as months-long demonstrations have challenged Iran’s government since the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the country’s morality police.

At least 450 people have been killed in the protests, with more than 18,000 arrested, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, an advocacy group following the demonstrations.

-AP