The Rasht Prosecutor’s office has announced that they are filing charges against Sheys Rezai and Mohammad Nosrati, the two Iranian soccer players who have been accused of “committing an immoral act” when one was shown pinching the others’ bottom while the team was celebrating a goal on the field during league games.
Gilan Province justice department announced yesterday that Rasht Prosecutor is charging Mohammad Nosrati and Sheys Rezai of “committing an act against public morality and disturbing public perception.”
The file against the two players is reportedly being investigated and a sentence will reportedly be issued soon.
The two players have already been condemned by Iran’s national soccer federation both being suspended from participating in games. Rezai and Nosrati also have to pay fines of $300 thousand and $250 thousand respectively.
Last week a penal court judge also condemned the actions of Rezai and Nosrati and said it deserved imprisonment and 74 lashes.
Both players have claimed innocence against the accusations against them. They both maintain that the episode has been misunderstood or perhaps being misconstrued by their ill-wishers.
Members of Iran’s National team have issued a character statement for their peer Mohammad Nosrati and supported his claims of innocence.
Sheya Rezai has also made a public statement saying: “I have been playing soccer at the top level for years and I know that in a live game at this point every player is under a microscope. I may be playful but I am not rude.”
