From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Iran bans goalie for infractions including ‘SpongeBob’ pants
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleA semi-official news agency in Iran is reporting that the country’s football federation has suspended a goalkeeper for six months for a series of offenses, including wearing yellow pants reminiscent of “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
The ISNA news agency reports Wednesday that Sosha Makani, formerly a goalie for Persepolis Football Club, can appeal his suspension.
An image of Makani smiling and wearing the dotted yellow pants that showed his ankles circulated online last month. Those pants are apparently too close to “SpongeBob SquarePants,” a yellow sponge character on a popular children’s animated television show.
Morality committee of Iran football fed. bans Persian Gulf Pro League goalkeeper for 6 months over SpongeBob pantspic.twitter.com/rGzydeHXfs
— Sobhan Hassanvand ???? سبحان حسنوند (@Hassanvand) June 8, 2016
Athletes and celebrities in Iran have been targeted by hard-liners in the judiciary and elsewhere for what they wear and how they behave. Iranian hard-liners view much of Western culture as corrupt and un-Islamic.
— AP
The Times of Israel Community.