Chennaiyin FC’s Iranian defender Vafa Hakhamaneshi made a statement during the 1-0 win against East Bengal on Friday.

In the 69th minute of the ISL IX match at the Salt Lake Stadium, Hakhamaneshi nodded in the all-important goal and then rushed towards the byline and lifted his shirt.

“#Women #Life #Freedom For... 11:11” read the message. It was in support for the Iranian women back home who are protesting the hijab.

As per Fifa’s law of the game it was “excessive celebration” and Hakhamaneshi was cautioned by referee Umesh Bora. Already on a yellow, Hakhamaneshi was shown the red card. The Iranian was hugged by teammates as he proudly walked off the field.

Sarthak Golui of East Bengal also saw ‘red’ but that was for a foul. This was Chennaiyin FC’s second win in Calcutta. In October they had beaten ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1.