Tehran Derby controversy erupts over player altercation

New video footage has emerged detailing a confrontation during the halftime of a Tehran Derby match between Persepolis and Esteghlal. The footage captures an altercation involving Persepolis captain Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan and Esteghlal defender Aref Aghasi.

According to reports, Kanaanizadegan used his long fingernails to scratch Aghasi’s neck, resulting in bleeding. The video shows Aghasi and teammate Saman Fallah attempting to draw the referee's attention to the injury to secure a red card for the Persepolis player.

During the exchange, Kanaanizadegan was heard telling Fallah to ‘show respect,’ while also claiming that Aghasi had caused the injury himself. The confrontation concluded with the referee intervening and instructing the players to shake hands.