Joyless football in Iran

The Tehran Times editorial characterizes Tractor SC’s 2025/26 Hazfi Cup win over Persepolis as a “joyless” victory, arguing that intense fan hostility and a win-at-all-costs mentality have eroded the spirit of Iranian football. While Tractor advanced following a dramatic 1(8)–1(7) penalty shootout win, the match highlighted a deeper, toxic tension overshadowing on-field athletic achievement