MENA Sports Wrap: Ballistic missiles spotted over Iran stadium during strikes on Israel

In a dramatic week that saw sports and geopolitics collide, ballistic missiles interrupted an AFC Champions League match in Iran while Celtic fans delivered a powerful message of solidarity to Palestinians and the Lebanese. Meanwhile, former Manchester United star Ravel Morrison took his career to the UAE.

Ballistic missiles appear at AFC Champions League game

Ballistic missiles were reportedly spotted flying over a stadium and press box during an Asian Champions League match between Sepahan and Istiklol Dushanbe in Iran on Tuesday.

Images circulated online showing fans standing in shock as the sky above them lit up with rockets.

The incident occurred at the Foolad Shahr Stadium in Isfahan, where Sepahan was hosting Istiklol Dushanbe from Tajikistan, and images of the scene were widely shared across social media, with spectators recounting the surreal moment.

Despite the tension, the match continued without any immediate official statement from authorities regarding the missiles.

Iran struck Israel late on Tuesday with hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, stating that the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah and former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in a strike on Iran.

Celtic fans show support for Palestine, Lebanon during Dortmund match

Celtic fans raised Palestinian flags in the stands at Signal Iduna Park during the second half of their match against Borussia Dortmund on Monday.

Despite a difficult first half, where Brendan Rodgers' team conceded five goals, Celtic fans continued their unwavering support for the people of Palestine and Lebanon, who have come under daily attack by Israel.

As the second half began, fans ignited flares and raised both Palestinian and Lebanese flags, accompanied by banners that read: "Free Palestine and Lebanon".

Celtic's support mostly comes from Scottish fans of Irish background who sympathise strongly with the Palestinian cause and see it as a reflection of their own struggle for a united Ireland.

Celtic ultras frequently show support for Palestinians at games, particularly European Champions League matches. This has resulted in fines from European football's governing body UEFA.

In 2014, the club was fined $20,750 by UEFA after dozens of fans waved Palestinian flags at a game against Icelandic side KR Reykjavik following the devastating Israeli offensive on Gaza which killed over 41,700 poeple.

@UniversDortmund @FranceDortmund @DestinationFoot @Stadium_Tr une animation qu’ils ont sûrement pas montré à la TV au début de la seconde mi temps pic.twitter.com/uThOhaYgyB

— Léo 💙 (@leolympiquee) October 1, 2024

Ex-Manchester United's midfielder Ravel Morrison signs with third-tier UAE's Precision FC

Former Manchester United and Derby County midfielder Ravel Morrison has signed with UAE club Precision FC.

Morrison, who made his Manchester United debut at 17 in 2010, most recently played for MLS club DC United under Wayne Rooney's management.

The Jamaican international has also had stints at clubs including West Ham, Birmingham City, QPR, Lazio, and Sheffield United. He appeared 38 times for Derby County during the 2021-22 season before his departure.

Precision FC announced the signing as "more than just a signing – it’s a statement", emphasising Morrison's "electrifying talent" and "world-class experience" that they believe will help elevate the club.

Precision recently gained promotion to Division Two, the third tier of UAE football, after their inaugural season.

They have also brought in former Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter and ex-Rotherham and Ipswich player Ben Pringle to strengthen their squad.