Tension After Football Match in Ahvaz: Detainees Released

Following reports of tension and unrest after a football match between Iranian and Saudi teams in Ahvaz and the detention of nearly 'a thousand people', a police official in Khuzestan province confirmed the arrests on Tuesday. However, this police official did not refer to the number of detainees after the football match. The social deputy of the Khuzestan police confirmed the arrest of several spectators of the match between Foolad Ahvaz and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, March 16, stating that the detainees 'have been released.' He also described the burning of a police vehicle as unintentional. The commander of the Khuzestan police stated that the police vehicle was set on fire due to the throwing of a 'firecracker' by 'a spectator' and that this fire was 'not intentional.' According to Tasnim News Agency, Rahman Mousavi, the social deputy of the Khuzestan police, noted that some spectators threw stones after the game, adding: 'To disperse the spectators, several were arrested, some of whom were released immediately after leaving the Ghadeer Stadium area, while others were released after giving a commitment.' On Tuesday, March 16, some news websites reported that several spectators of the Foolad Khuzestan and Al-Hilal match 'threw stones at the police after a confrontation with physical security' of the stadium, leading to the arrest of several spectators by the police. Meanwhile, some websites, including the Harana website, reported the self-immolation of an Iranian Arab citizen named Younes Asakereh in front of the Khorramshahr municipality as one of the reasons for the 'discontent' of these spectators. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, IRNA, this street vendor from Khorramshahr, who had been selling fruits in the local market for about 15 years, went to the municipality after his fruit stall was dismantled by municipal agents, and when he 'received no response, he set himself on fire in the municipality's courtyard.' Meanwhile, the Harana website quoted 'an informed source' stating: 'The police initially arrested several participants wearing a dishdasha [a type of local dress]. This action angered the crowd and caused clashes that resulted in two police vehicles being set on fire.' However, the social deputy of the Khuzestan police described the reports of the arrest of some spectators wearing 'dishdasha' as 'the mischief of enemies.' Mr. Mousavi stated: 'Wearing Arab clothing is customary for Arab citizens of Khuzestan, and in previous matches where no incidents occurred, our Arab compatriots were also present in the stadium.' He also denied reports of more than 81 police officers being injured, adding: 'These events did not leave any casualties on either side.' 'The burning of the police vehicle was not intentional.' According to news websites, on Tuesday, a police vehicle outside the Ghadeer Stadium in Ahvaz was set on fire by spectators. According to IRNA, Mohammad Reza Ishaqi, the commander of the Khuzestan police, stated that the burning of this vehicle 'was not intentional.' He added: 'The fire occurred when apparently a spectator accidentally threw a firecracker that, after hitting the vehicle and breaking a window, ultimately ignited the interior of the car.' Mr. Ishaqi emphasized: 'So far, no one has been arrested in this regard, but the matter is under thorough investigation.' The football match between Foolad Khuzestan and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia was held on Tuesday afternoon at the Ghadeer Stadium in Ahvaz as part of the Asian Club Championship, ending in a scoreless draw.