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3 clusters · 6 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Esteghlal and Persepolis football rivalry

Overview

The competitive rivalry between Iranian football clubs Esteghlal and Persepolis has been highlighted through both veteran and professional matches. A recent veterans’ derby in Kish concluded with a 4-3 victory for Esteghlal. During that event, former players noted the intense competitive tension between the sides and addressed rumors of player friction, which were dismissed as unfounded.

Following the 107th professional Tehran Derby, Esteghlal head coach Sohrab Bakhtiari-Zadeh criticized officiating, specifically citing a missed penalty for Mohammad Hossein Eslami and incorrect yellow cards. While praising the match quality, Bakhtiari-Zadeh also condemned unprofessional fan behavior, such as the use of lasers and throwing bottles in the stands. He noted that while Persepolis controlled the midfield in the first half, Esteghlal improved through tactical changes in the second half.

Controversy intensified following the release of video footage showing a halftime altercation between Persepolis captain Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan and Esteghlal defender Aref Aghasi. The footage reportedly shows Kanaanizadegan scratching Aghasi’s neck with his fingernails, causing bleeding. During the incident, Aghasi and teammate Saman Fallah attempted to alert the referee to seek a red card, while Kanaanizadegan told Fallah to ‘show respect’ and claimed Aghasi had caused the injury himself. The referee eventually intervened and instructed the players to shake hands.

Entities

Persepolis FC · Esteghlal FC · Aref Aghasi · Saman Fallah · Mohsen Bangar

Timeline

  1. 7 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Tehran Derby controversy erupts over player altercation

    New video reveals a heated confrontation during the Tehran Derby, showing Persepolis captain Kanaanizadegan scratching Esteghlal's Aghasi during a halftime altercation.

  2. 11 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Esteghlal coach criticizes refereeing after Tehran Derby

    Esteghlal coach Sohrab Bakhtiari-Zadeh criticized recent refereeing decisions, including a missed penalty, following the 107th Tehran Derby against Persepolis.

  3. 11 days ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Esteghlal defeats Persepolis 4-3 in veterans' derby in Kish

    Esteghlal defeated Persepolis 4-3 in a veterans' derby in Kish. Former players discussed the match's intensity and the tactical preparations for the upcoming professional derby between the two rivals.

Sources

aftabnews.ir · ebtekarnews.com · etemadonline.com · khabarfoori.com · noandish.com · rokna.net

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history