Iran protests at Bahrain for mistreating footballers

FNA – TEHRAN, Iran on Saturday summoned Bahrain’s envoy to Tehran to protest at the mistreatment of Iranian football players and supporters following a 2014 World Cup qualifier in Manama.

The unnamed Bahraini diplomat was summoned to the foreign ministry, where an official expressed discontent and regret about reports of mistreatment and the inaction of Bahraini security forces present at the match.

Some Bahraini supporters threw water bottles and other objects at Iranian players and supporters in an insulting manner and committed immoral acts while security forces did not try hard to stop them.

Iran scored an injury time equalizer to claim a share of the spoils in a thrilling 1-1 draw with Bahrain in Asian zone qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup on Friday.

The result left Iran, who had won the first-leg 6-0 in Tehran exactly a month ago, leading Group E with eight points from four matches while Bahrain remained third on five points.

The match grew more tense after a masked man waving a Bahraini flag invaded the pitch late in the first half.