FANS OUT TO ‘KILL’

BY CHRIS MCKENNA CARLOS QUEIROZ criticised protesting Iran fans for trying to ‘kill’ his players.

The Iran boss reacted after his side were thrashed by England.

His stars refused to sing the national anthem as supporters loudly booed and whistled.

But the players were still being criticised by protesting fans inside the Khalifa International Stadium.

Queiroz said: “You don’t even imagine, or know, what these kids have been living through in the past few days – and just because they want to play football.

“Whatever they do, whatever they say, they want to kill them.

“Can you imagine in one stage of your life, whatever you do, say, or think, you are killed? They only have one hope, to play for the people and the country.”

The Iran manager was not happy and believes his players were distracted by the scenes and constant questioning in the build up.

He said: “My point is about distractions.

“Everybody knows the present circumstances of the environment of my players is not the best in terms of concentration because they are affected by those issues. They are human beings, they are kids. They only have one dream to play for the people.

“I am very proud of them, they way they stand up and keep fighting. I’m very proud of what they did.”

Queiroz also confirmed keeper Alireza Beiranvand (below) suffered concussion and a broken nose during the game.

The shot stopper received treatment on the pitch for about 10 minutes before trying to play on but had to be replaced.