TEHRAN, March 25 (UPI) -- Independent reports from Iran said protestors took to the street of Tehran early Friday morning in support of the national soccer team that was to face Japan.
Iran Press News reported that "a deluge of protestors started jamming the streets" of the Iranian capital, as they headed towards the Azadi (freedom) Stadium. The group blew their horns and chanted sports slogans.
Iran Press News reported that thousands across Iran flooded Tehran to attend the game "and to join the anti-regime protests that had been earmarked for after the match."
In a report delivered via e-mail, the service reported "the entire Tehran-Karadj highway was also inundated with fans and protestors." It said the Islamic Republic "took stern precautionary steps" amid "threat of riots and demonstrations against the mullahs."
The stadium was surrounded by security from regular police to large units of the revolutionary guard "and legions of plainclothes mercenaries all armed."
There were scattered incidents outside the stadium, said Iran Press News. Women's groups protested the ban on women attending soccer games and a number of them were arrested and moved to detention centers. Other demonstrators were severely beaten with chains, nightsticks and attacked with tear gas.
The game went ahead despite the protests and ended in a 2-1 win for Iran.
