Mohammad Mohebi scores and immediately does the finger-gun shooting gesture straight at Iranians waving the Lion & Sun flag in the stands.

However, the gesture has been constituted as a deeply disturbing and threatening act aimed at fans and the people in the stands.

Former French football player Thierry Henry says there is nothing to the Iranian footballer’s action but an act of celebration, throwing his weight behind the player.

In Thierry Henry’s words: “I’ve seen people trying to turn the Iran player’s celebration into something political, but from what I saw, it meant no harm. Footballers celebrate in different ways when emotions are high, and sometimes joy is simply joy. Not everything has to become controversy.

“We have to stop bringing politics into football every single time because it slowly destroys the beauty of the game. Football is one of the few things that brings people from different countries, cultures and beliefs together. Whatever disagreements or quarrels nations may have outside the pitch should stay outside the pitch — not inside football.

“The Iran vs New Zealand game was honestly one of the best matches so far. It had intensity, passion, quality and entertainment from both sides. In my opinion, it was even more exciting to watch than the Spain, Belgium and Uruguay games. Both teams gave everything, and that is what this competition should be about.

“Let’s not ruin this tournament with unnecessary arguments and division. Celebrate the football, respect the players and enjoy the competition for what it is — a beautiful game meant to unite people, not divide them.”