Iran and New Zealand Draw 2-2 as Brief Brawl Erupts in Stands at SoFi Stadium

A violent brawl broke out in the stands of SoFi Stadium, referred to as Los Angeles Stadium during the World Cup, after Iran and New Zealand played to a 2-2 draw on Monday. Video shows several men trading blows inside the stands. A man in a blue shirt exchanged several blows with another man and put him on the ground.

Officials on scene broke up the fight after a few seconds of tussling. One of the men wore a white shirt with the Iranian pre-revolutionary flag on it. Iranian pro-Shah and pro-regime protesters clashed during the incident.

Pro-Shah demonstrators chanted “Pahlavi” outside the stadium. Another video from outside showed pro-regime protesters and pro-Shah demonstrators screaming at each other. Striker Mehdi Taremi stated the Iran national team was kicked out of the United States immediately following the game.

“Everything is like a disaster actually for us,” Taremi said. Taremi added: “We have to leave Los Angeles right now, and it’s not good for us. It’s not good for the football, because in a World Cup, you have to prepare good for the next game, because it is a lot of stress for the players and the staff and everyone.

Iran and the United States remain in conflict, but a peace deal is set to be signed on Friday.