Seems super harsh, but would like to know your opinions as well.
Official statement here.
Translation:
The statement of the weightlifting federation condemning the unsportsmanlike behavior of the veteran weightlifter Expulsion and lifetime ban for all offenders The Weightlifting Federation strongly condemns the action of the veteran weightlifter of the Iranian team during the World Veteran Championship, which is against the ideals of the holy system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The positions of the weightlifting federation are in line with the positions of the holy system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and this federation, while considering the lifetime exclusion from participating in all sports venues for the guilty athlete (Mustafa Rajaei), also removed the head of the expedition team (Hamid Salehinia) from his position and After further investigations, serious and decisive action will be taken against all the wrongdoers. Undoubtedly, the fight against the usurping Zionist regime and its supporters is one of the main pillars of the strategic policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and in this regard, the Weightlifting Federation does not recognize the illegitimate regime of Israel, fully following the ideals of Imam Rahel (RA) and the guidelines of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution. It has been placed as an inviolable principle of the system to promote the fighting and Islamic spirit against the Zionists.
I have as well, either consensually such as to keep up appearances/they hold power over me, or somewhat unconsensually such as they initiate it and I’m a bit stuck.
Not to mention just subconsciously going for the movement sometimes.
This ban is ridiculous and bizarre. It’s not like he began to give a speech in support of Israel or draped himself in the flag.