The disciplinary committee of FIFA has announced the suspension of 2 Iranian players and Javad Nekounam, assistant coach in Team Melli for unprofessional conduct following the game against Qatar in Azadi.

Iran prolific centre forward Sardar Azmoun and Left back Ehsan Hajsafy have received a one match suspension which will render them unavailable for the coming match against Syria. The two were accused of unsportmanship conduct following skirmishes with Qatari players right after Reza Ghoochannejad scored Iran’s goal late in the match.

The real culprit , however, was none other than supposedly experienced and professional Javad Nekounam. The most capped player in Iranian football  , an assistant to Queiroz, who has spent a great deal of his career in the La Liga and other professional leagues abroad, acted childishly and provocatively while celebrating Iran’s first goal. He also continued his nuisance celebration by entering the pitch.

For his misdemeanour, Nekounam received a 3 match suspension by FIFA.

The absence of Nekounam is not by any means a loss for Team Melli, as it is better for everyone concerned that the suspended ex-Captain watches the matches from the stands. The fear is that such misconduct might affect the behavior of some on the younger and the inexperienced members of the team.