'Gun gesture': World Cup erupts in controversy as Iranian footballer's celebration goes viral

Iran staged a dramatic comeback, scoring twice to secure a 2-2 draw after trailing earlier in the match.

The incident quickly sparked debate online, with social media users widely discussing Mohebi's celebration amid heightened political tensions surrounding the tournament.

Despite restrictions imposed by FIFA and local authorities, the match remained politically charged. Iranian supporters reportedly defied FIFA regulations by displaying the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag inside the stadium.

Even before kickoff, large groups of Iranian spectators gathered outside the venue to protest against the Iranian government.

The pre-revolutionary flag remained visible throughout the match, appearing on banners, flags, and T-shirts despite FIFA's ban.

Security at SoFi Stadium was heightened during the fixture amid concerns over possible political demonstrations.

Mohebi later denied any political intent behind the gesture.

"First, I wanted to say thank you to all the Iranian fans that came to watch in Los Angeles. They made a great atmosphere in the game," Mohebi was quoted as saying by Mirror.

"The celebration was just coming in the mind, in the moment. I do it like this [gestures with his hands] and I wanted to do it like this for all the fans. It's just a celebration, you know, and that's it," he said.

Fellow goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian declined to comment on the controversy surrounding the gesture.

"It's something political (his goal celebration)," he told Mirror. "I don't want to talk about that. We are here to answer football questions. If there is a problem between us (the Iranian people), it is between us."

The match took place against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Iran currently engaged in a conflict involving the United States and Israel, adding further sensitivity to an already emotionally charged encounter.