Via LA Times:
Long suspensions and $30,000 fines. That’s what Iran’s football association imposed on two Iranian soccer players accused of celebrating a goal in an “immoral” manner, Iranian media reported Sunday.
The two players landed in hot water last month when Persepolis defender Mohammed Nosrati swatted the backside of his teammate, Sheys Rezaei, while celebrating a goal in a nationally televised match.
The players insisted the fanny pat was only for fun. But it didn’t go down well with the Iranian football federation’s disciplinary committee, which immediately suspended both players on charges of immoral offense and reportedly dismissed Persepolis manager Mahmoud Khordbin for failing to report the incident.