Female Iran Fans Were Allowed To Watch Spain Game At National Stadium

Iran may have lost to Spain in Group B last night but their spirited performance deservedly received a whole lot of praise.

In addition to that, the occasion marked a huge step forward for women in Iran. For nearly 40 years, females were been banned from attending men's sporting events - such is the shocking levels of oppression and segregation women have had to face in several Middle East countries.

But last night marked a watershed moment as they were finally allowed access to the country's national stadium, Azadi Stadium in Tehran, for a screening of the group stage clash with the 2010 world champions.

Carlos Queiroz's side were narrowly defeated after conceding a fortuitous Diego Costa in the 54th minute, yet the women of Iranian still achieved victory.

A female Iran fan watches the Spain game in the stands in Kazan. Image: PA

There have been a host of wonderful images of women passionately cheering their team on for Wednesday's night encounter and it's just incredible to see.

Spain skipper Sergio Ramos took to Twitter to perfectly sum up what last night meant, stressing just how big a leap forward it is for the women and the country on the whole.

As Ramos said, here's hoping this is just the start...

Topics: Football News, Football, World Cup news, World Cup

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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