The Iran team declined to sing their national anthem before their World Cup match with England in support for anti-government protests in their home country.

Human rights activists have said more than 400 protesters have been killed and 16,800 others arrested in a crackdown by Iran’s security forces. Iran’s leaders say the protests are “riots” orchestrated by the country’s foreign enemies.

Speaking before the game, Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi said the players “support” those who have died, while the team’s Portuguese Manager Carlos Queiroz said his players were “free to protest” over women’s rights in their home country as long as it “conforms with the World Cup regulations and is in the spirit of the game”.