Iran pair fined for ´immoral´ behaviour

Persepolis players Sheys Rezaei and Mohammad Nosrati have received heavy punishments for their ‘immoral celebration’ in late October.

The Iranian Football Federation (IFF) handed the pair lengthy suspensions and 22,500 euros worth of fines after appearing to violate the ‘Iranian social values’.

Nosrati was seen on camera pressing his hand into Rezaei’s buttocks while celebrating the winning goal in the 3-2 win over Damash Gilan, which raised a major reaction in Iran which has laws against homosexual acts.

Several members of the Iranian government even demanded prison time and cane lashing penalties.

The IFF finally reached the verdict this week, suspending Rezaei for a staggering 20 months, while Nosrati has been banned from football for 10 months.

Rezaei has since been released by Persepolis although he is set to attempt to revitalise his career abroad, with a trial at Dutch club FC Twente.