Mahdavikia's Generation Defeated USA

Following statements by Alireza Beiranvand, goalkeeper of Iran’s national football team, about the need for media support for the national team, a range of reactions has emerged on social media and in the media. These remarks have sparked debate over the media’s role and mission toward the national team, and over how criticism should be handled.

• ISNA reacted to Alireza Beiranvand’s remarks and asked him who said the media should support the national team and its players even by lying.
• ISNA also asked Alireza Beiranvand who gave him the right to use vulgar language toward critics because some people have criticized the national team.
• ISNA raised the question of which clause of the media’s role and mission includes Alireza Beiranvand’s “surprises.”
• Khabar Online reported that users’ reactions on social media to Alireza Beiranvand’s claim have been mixed.
• In its headline, Khabar Online referred to the “Mavahdi-Kia generation” and asked: “What did you do, Mr. Beiranvand?”
• In its headline, ISNA referred to “Mr. M.M.” and asked: “Don’t be like Mr. M.M.!”. Coverage difference: ISNA emphasized direct criticism of Alireza Beiranvand’s remarks about the media’s role and his use of inappropriate language. By contrast, Khabar Online focused more on users’ reactions on social media and on comparing the performance of the current national team generation with that of the previous generation.