Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Iranian populations outside Iran, and the city’s Iranian soccer fans are reflecting divided views on Team Melli, Iran’s national soccer team, during the World Cup.

Divided Views

Some fans are waving the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran, while others are displaying the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag, a historical emblem used by some opponents of the government.

Co-founder of Arya FC, Nader Adeli, said that players focus on soccer during matches and that the team is a way to bring people together. “Football brings nations together,” he said. “When we gather, we pray for peace and unity.”

However, not all fans share the same view. Amin Jafari, a former soccer player in Iran, believes that the team should have done more to acknowledge people killed during anti-government protests. “There is nothing more important than the people who lost their lives for Iran,” he said.

The differing views reflect a broader debate among Iranians over support for the national team. Despite those political differences, soccer remains a shared activity for Arya FC players.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.