Hossein Hosseini, a 31-year-old goalkeeper with one of Iran’s top football clubs has been suspended for embracing a woman supporter during a championship match.
According to a report by sports daily Khabar Varzeshi, Hosseini, who is playing for Tehran team Esteghlal, faced suspension following the incident on April 12.
Amid the match, an Esteghlal fan hurried onto the pitch where stadium security attempted to restrain her. Despite their efforts, Hosseini approached the woman and briefly held her in his arms.
The newspaper detailed that Iran’s football federation imposed a fine of approximately $4,700 on the goalkeeper, along with a one-match suspension for his “bad behavior towards security agents at the game”.
Traditionally, women were not permitted to attend football matches after the 1979 Islamic revolution. However, in August 2022, they were granted access to a championship match for the first time in over four decades.
Hosseini, who has spent the majority of his footballing career at Esteghlal, one of the nation’s most beloved clubs, faced consequences for his actions on the pitch.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Nigeria’s anti-graft agency arrests ex-minister Sirika over N8 billion Nigeria air scandal