Gary Linkeker has hailed Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams for his graceful response to an Iranian journalist ahead of the meeting between the two countries in Qatar. The United States captain was put before the media ahead of their final game of the group against Iran when he was questioned by a rather frosty journalist.
It came after Adams said he supported Iranian people in their own fight after hundreds have died in protests following the death in police custody of the 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. Iran players protested by refusing to sing the national anthem in their opening game of the World Cup against England, and some players were warned they may not be selected for the tournament due to their stance on the government regime.
The journalist in question corrected Adams on his pronunciation of Iran, which he apologised for, before later being asked how he felt to represent a country that still had discrimination in it against black people.
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Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani spoke of his pride for the young midfielder, after watching his response to the questioning. With Lineker also left impressed.
Lineker tweeted: "Another exceptionally bright young footballer dealing with tough questions intelligently and gracefully."
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