Australia’s government confirmed earlier today that it has offered humanitarian visas to five Iranian football players who have been in the country for the Asian Cup.
Now protesters have briefly blocked a bus taking the Iranian women’s football team out of their hotel on Australia’s Gold Coast.
double quotation markThe group of a few dozen physically sat in front of the vehicle to block it. They chanted “save our girls” as the vehicle attempted to make its exit. Protesters say they believe the bus is heading to the Gold Coast airport.
A group of Queensland police officers moved them on.
The Guardian saw at least one of the football players through the window in tears.
A protester who was inside the Gold Coast hotel where the Iranian football players were staying said they saw one of the players being walked onto the bus by a minder who appeared to be holding her wrist.
