Carlos Queiroz appeared to sarcastically blow kisses towards a group of fans who were heckling him during Iran's defeat to England.
Iran were humbled 6-2 by the Three Lions at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka (two), Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish. Iran forward Mehdi Taremi scored a brace in response.
Queiroz appeared to gesture towards a group of supporters during Monday's game. One fan was seen giving the Iran boss the middle finger, with Queiroz blowing kisses back in response. He then sarcastically applauded the group before continuing with his job.
Former Real Madrid manager Queiroz was reappointed Iran boss in September, just two months before the World Cup. He was first hired by Iran back in April 2011 and lasted nearly eight years in the job before leaving to take charge of Colombia and Egypt.
Queiroz's relationship with Iran supporters may have deteriorated after he criticised them for booing the national anthem during Monday's game. Iranians were protesting against their government, as women's rights continue to be curbed in the country.
Nationwide protests started in September after a 22-year-old woman named Masha Amini was detained by Iran's morality police for allegedly breaking the country's strict rules on head coverings. She was beaten to death while in police custody.
What do you make of Carlos Queiroz's actions? Let us know in the comments below!
Iran's players refused to sing the national anthem to protest against their government. Hundreds of Iranian women attended Monday's game and were visibly moved by the players' act of solidarity. Women are rarely allowed to attend football games in Iran.
Although Queiroz was proud of his players, he wasn't happy with the crowd for continuing to protest. "You don’t even imagine, or know, what these kids have been living through in the past few days - and just because they want to play football," he told reporters.
"Whatever they do, whatever they say, they want to kill them. Can you imagine in one stage of your life, whatever you do, say, or think, you are killed? They only have one hope, to play for the people and the country.
"I am very proud of what the players did but of course in 2014 and 2018 we had full support of the fans. Now you saw what happened today, the fans who aren't ready to support the team should stay home."
Queiroz added: "My point is about distractions. Everybody knows the present circumstances of the environment of my players is not the best in terms of concentration because they are affected by those issues. They are human beings, they are kids.
"They only have one dream to play for the people. I am very proud of them, they way they stand up and keep fighting. I’m very proud of what they did."
