'The Ayatollah' - Cardiff's love is Iran's angst?

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan doing 'the Ayatollah'

For many people in Iran, doing 'the Ayatollah' is a symbol of a dark past that is casting a shadow on the country's present. For Cardiff City fans, doing 'the Ayatollah' is a symbol of adoration towards their favourite players.

To those unfamiliar with what 'the Ayatollah' looks like, you do it by using both of your hands and tapping the top of your head. It was first seen by people around the world who watched the broadcast of Iran's first Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini's funeral in 1989, to which thousands attended. By that point, the opinion of Khomeini split the nation. He was seen as a hero by many for being at the forefront of ending controversial monarchy rule in Iran in 1979. But his popularity faded drastically, as a result of Iran's involvement in conflict with Iraq during the 1980s, as well as the promises for better livelihoods for many Iranians in poverty failed to materialise.

However, it wasn't until over a year later when doing 'the Ayatollah' became a thing in Cardiff. Reportedly, in September 1990, Welsh-language punk rock band U Thant felt enticed to do it at a gig, leading to it to be used a day later at the turnstiles. 30 years later, it is now one of the most beloved chants for the Bluebirds.

Quoted on WalesOnline in 2016, Cardiff City fan Huw Owen recalls:

"In June 1989, the Ayatollah Khomeini died. In the autumn of 1990 there was an earthquake which killed 35,000 Iranians. Both events were accompanied by the traditional Iranian sign of mourning, tapping both hands against the forehead.

On September 15, 1990, Cardiff played away at Lincoln. It ended up a 0-0 draw.

Whether we missed an open goal or just played direly, there was a mood of sombreness over the small crowd (about 120 or so) of Cardiff supporters who’d made the long trek to Lincolnshire.

One of their number decided to encapsulate this by mimicking the signs of grief displayed by Iranians so profoundly and continuously on our TV screens over the preceding months."

While fans insist that the gesture is "not inciting violence", and is "much the same as clapping or waving", there is little research to show that Iranians take offence to it today. Or is the gesture now completely irrelevant? Do send your comments and thoughts below.