Iraqi authorities condemn 'blasphemous' dance performance in Shia holy city

Iraqi authorities have taken offence to a performance by female dancers ahead of a football game in the holy city of Karbala.

The country's Shia endowment office and senior Shia politicians have said the musical act "violated the sanctity" of the city, local news website Rudaw reported.

The performance took place before the opening game of the West Asia Football Federation on Tuesday, featuring two women and a man dancing to a violin rendition of the national anthem.

The endowment office, former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki and Karbala's local authorities have all condemned the "offensive" show.

"The Dancing musical concert constitutes a violation of the holiness of the city and the tearing of the sanctity of Imam Hussein's city," Maliki.

The city is an important pilgrimage site in Shia Islam.

Millions flock to the city's shrines each year to commemorate the death of Shia imam, Hussein - the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.