About 200 protesters surrounded the Iranian women's team bus on the Gold Coast, chanting 'let them go' after a player flashed an SOS signal, amid fears they face prison or death when they return home. After the match, about 200 protesters surrounded the team bus, banging on it and chanting 'let them go' as police pushed the crowd back. During the chaos, at least one Iranian player could be seen performing the international SOS distress signal from inside the team bus. There are also fears family members are being held hostage back at home, preventing the Iran players from seeking asylum elsewhere. 'It's been great to see the Iranian women's team participating in the Asian Cup,' he told Sky News.

Source: Metro March 09, 2026 04:20 UTC