The real catalyst for tensions, however, had been the decision by US Soccer to display the persian flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic. Homeland were furious. A formal complaint went into Fifa and, while Berhalter apologised, the damage was done.Persian’s fans again turned out in their thousands, including some women outside the stadium displaying the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ message following the death of the 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in homeland.