Protests are underway in Los Angeles County as the Iranian men’s national soccer team arrived on Sunday, ahead of their World Cup match against New Zealand on Monday. The team’s arrival comes as tensions remain high, with some individuals protesting the team’s visit to the area.

Local Protests

Cell phone video captured demonstrators protesting the Iranian national team’s visit as their bus pulled into a Manhattan Beach hotel, as well as the Dignity Health Sports Complex in Carson, where the team held a practice on Sunday evening. Protesters were also gathered outside the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, voicing their opposition to the Iranian national team, which they believe is a symbol of the Iranian regime.

Majid Solomoni, a protester, stated, ‘We don’t call it the Iranian team. We call it the Islamic Republic, regime team, they do not represent our people and none of the players that they are playing currently in the team supported the Iranian movement.’ Iman Sharif, an amateur soccer player and fan, shared, ‘Here in the United States we’re fortunate to be able to express ourselves. Unfortunately, our people in Iran don’t have that luxury, and that right, so it’s our duty to try and be their voice and speak up for them when we can.’

Security Measures

According to NBCLA’s national security analyst Erroll Southers, security is a top priority for the World Cup, not just the Iranian match. Authorities will be focused on protecting all teams and fans given the large crowds and international attention surrounding the matches. Southers added that there are no credible threats against any World Cup matches, including Monday’s match between Iran and New Zealand.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.