Football Fan, Sets Herself On Fire After Being Denied To Enter Stadium
Home > News Shots > Sports newsIn a shocking case, a female football fan reportedly set herself on fire in fear of being jailed. She did the act to put an end to a ban on women attending matches.
Many female supporters were also seen holding a banner that read as “Let Iranian women enter their stadiums” throughout a match close to Stockholm.
The woman has been identified as Sahar Khodayari, 30, who was earlier arrested when she tried to enter a stadium dressed as a man to watch her favourite team play.
As per AFP news report, the woman aka 'blue girl' because of football team Esteghlal's colours, set herself on fire outside the court after hearing that she would be going to prison for six months.
Iran has barred Iranian women from football and other stadiums since 1981. This tragic death sparked an outcry across the country and online, where hashtag #blue_girl called on world football's governing body FIFA to ban Iran from competitions.
Photos also spread on social media where the girl can be seen covered in heavy bandages after being admitted in hospital.
Meanwhile, Iranian football legend Ali Karimi took to social media and urged his followers to boycott stadiums. "The women of our land are better than men," he wrote alongside an image of a woman with a football for a heart and flames over her head.After FIFA getting the news, they said it was "aware of that tragedy and deeply regret it".
Even, the woman's favourite football team Esteghlal expressed sorrow over her death. "Her death must not be in vain. It must spur change in Iran if further tragedies are to be avoided in the future."
"The tragic death of our beloved child, Sahar Khodayari, has caused much sadness and regret for Esteghlal FC," the club said.Currently, Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Masoumeh Ebtekar had asked the judiciary to look into the case, reports AFP.