Iranian reporter hits back at Western 'hypocrisy' in Southgate press conference

An Iranian reporter hit back at Western 'hypocrisy' surrounding the World Cup in a question posed to the coach of England’s national team, Gareth Southgate.

The reporter told Southgate during a press conference ahead of England’s Group B opener match against Iran that the UK had "killed innocent people in Afghanistan and Iraq", according to activists' tweets.

Iranian sports reporter to Gareth Southgate:
“We also could’ve asked, just as English reporters did to Queiroz, why you’re the head coach of a country that killed innocent people in Afghanistan and Iraq, regarding discontent towards the Queen’s funeral costs and winter expenses.” pic.twitter.com/vBJCki10dX

— ☕️ (@yazdihp) November 21, 2022

This came after a reporter asked Iran coach Carlos Queiroz if he is "okay representing a country like Iran… that represses the rights of women". 

Iranian players have been subjected to constant questioning about unrest in their country. The reporter was working for the British channel Sky News, according to Doha News.

"We also could’ve asked, just as English reporters did to Queiroz, why you’re the head coach of a country that killed innocent people in Afghanistan and Iraq," the Iranian reporter asked Southgate.

Southgate told the Iranian journalist he understands "the frustration from your team regarding the questions", as he called the situation "very difficult", according to Doha News and clips posted by fans online.

"I’ve been asked lots and lots of political questions by our media about lots of subjects for six years, so we’re both in the same situation on that… I understand… there is a responsibility for me to answer some of those questions," he said.

Southgate stated the English team are "very respectful" of their Iranian opponents, and know the "quality" of their talents. England later beat Iran 6-2 on Monday.

Activists online supported the Iranian reporter for asking the question, calling the move "brilliant".

"About time double standards and hypocritical stances are called out!!" one user, named F4Z4, wrote on the app.

Brilliant about time double standards and hypocritical stances are called out!!

— F4Z4 🇵🇰 (@F4Z4K) November 21, 2022

"Perhaps those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Hypocrisy seems to be a common international language," another user, Kassandra wrote.

Perhaps those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. #Hypocrisy seems to be common international language https://t.co/Hh0ufxUIeJ

— Kassandra (@Kassandra_AZ) November 22, 2022

Others noted that the point "isn’t about pointing fingers or trying to deflect responsibility".

"It’s about some people being very selective about when they want to champion human rights," Madiha Sadiq wrote.

This isn’t about pointing fingers or trying to deflect responsibility.

It’s about some people being very selective about when they want to champion human rights. https://t.co/brfQfAnWqZ

— Madiha Sadiq (@sadiq_madiha) November 22, 2022

The Qatar 2022 World Cup has stirred many debates about "double standards", "hypocrisy" and "Islamophobia", among fans and activists.

Based take: this WC has only revealed how casual Islamophobia is still quite rampant lol pic.twitter.com/vMB6OpG5yY

— Tengku Amsyar (@iamtengkuamsyar) November 22, 2022

Many observers cited "casual" Western Islamophobia and prejudice portrayed throughout the tournament so far, including in reaction to Saudi Arabia's World Cup opener win against Argentina.