Mahsa Amini death: Leverkusen & Iran footballer Sardar Azmoun pledges support to protesters

In a daring act, Sardar Azmoun became the first player from Iran's national team to pledge his support to the people protesting against the death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, who died in custody while being held by the morality police for violating the country’s strictly enforced Islamic dress code.

Azmoun, who plays for the Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, expressed his anger in an Instagram story and said that he cannot remain silent despite a rule in the team prohibiting the players from speaking out during the team’s World Cup training camp in Austria.

"The ultimate [punishment] is to be kicked out of the national team, which is a small price to pay for even a single strand of Iranian women’s hair. Shame on you for easily killing the people and viva women of Iran," Azmoun added. He, however, deleted the post later on.

Amini was arrested on September 13 for allegations of loose wearing a headscarf or hijab. She collapsed at a police station and died three days later which triggered massive protests in Iran.

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