Why Vafa Hakhamaneshi was sent off in Chennaiyin FC's win over East Bengal

The defender removed his shirt in celebration of the winner.

The clock was just ticking towards the 70th minute in the game between East Bengal FC and Chennaiyin FC. The fixture which never produced a win was ambling towards another dull stalemate. Until Vafa Hakhamaneshi decided to take things into his own hands for the visitors.

The Iranian rose the highest to nod home from a corner from Aakash Sangwan. Thomas Brdaric's men got their lead and looked set to take the three points home. But all that might not be talked about as much as the moment after the goal when Hakhamaneshi moved away from the goal to celebrate. The Iranian lifted his shirt to reveal a few words within. "#WOMEN #LIFE #FREEDOM FOR 11.11"

https://twitter.com/KhelNow/status/1588575912705937411

The centre-back had received his first yellow around the hour mark for a rash challenge. Vafa Hakhamaneshi got a second yellow card and received his marching orders from referee Umesh Bora. The decision to celebrate like that and the resulting yellow card has left people in different schools of thought.

What does the celebration signify?

Vafa's message symbolised solidarity with the protesting women in his native country of Iran. Iranian citizens are currently protesting against the government following the detention and allegedly merciless killing of Mahsa Amini. The "morality police" of Iran allegedly detained Amini on the account of her clothing. The 22-year-old woman Amini was pronounced dead in custody on September 16th.

The incident left a scar on the nation and has led to widespread protests from women in Iran. These protestors have symbolised the removal of their hijab as their call to arms against the government. Now in its fifth week, protests have intensified across the country. The issue has even reached the doors of FIFA. The organization now faces increasing calls to ban the Iranian national team from competing in this year's FIFA World Cup.

Thomas Brdaric's view

Chennaiyin FC's head coach Thomas Brdaric threw his weight behind Vafa. The German spoke admirably when asked about the situation and the red card by replying, “It’s a pity (that he got a red card), but the ISL has rules. I feel you can’t close your eyes to this situation. I think it (Vafa’s celebration) sends a strong message to the world.

Brdaric added, “He is doing this for the people in his home country. So I hope the ISL (league committee), close their eyes and use their heads to understand this situation.”

What next for Vafa?

The centre-back will miss the next game at home against Mumbai City FC. But going by the words of Brdaric, one can believe that Chennaiyin FC will definitely contest the decision for the yellow card and look to get it overturned.