A message for the Iranian soccer team: You deserve freedom

Iran’s soccer team is arriving in LA on Monday to play its first match of the World Cup against New Zealand.It is a rare moment, a lull in war that might evoke memories of the Christmas truce of 1914.Back then, in the first winter of the First World War, German and British soldiers on opposing front lines put their weapons down, emerged from the trenches, and celebrated the holiday together.They even played soccer.Today, Iran and the US have been at odds.The Iranian regime vacillated about whether to send its soccer team at all, and settled on sending them to Mexico.But at least one of their games will be played on American soil.

They will arrive and depart in peace.They will be greeted by noisy demonstrations, on the streets of LA and also — despite FIFA’s best efforts— in the stadium as well.FIFA has offended Iranian dissidents and ordinary Americans alike by banning the pre-Islamic flag of Iran, with its Lion and Sun emblem, from being unfurled inside SoFi stadium.This is the US, not Qatar or Russia.We have a First Amendment that guarantees freedom of speech.The fact that FIFA tried to ban the old flag virtually guarantees that fans will wave it.

Good luck stopping them.The match represents a rare opportunity to send a message of defiance directly to the Iranian regime.You might try to repress the Iranian people within your own boundaries, with your Basij paramilitaries and your religious police and your Evin prison.But you will never destroy hope for freedom.It thrives in places you cannot touch.

California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story The match also represents an opportunity to send a message directly to the Iranian people.They will know that they are not forgotten — that no matter what agreement the diplomats sign to end the war, the...