Matildas fan is kicked out of World Cup match by police for displaying the Iranian flag – and other Aussie supporters are outraged

Video footage of a football fan being kicked out of Brisbane Stadium by police for displaying the Iranian national flag during the Matildas’ quarter-final victory over France has emerged online.

The Aussies made history by reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup for the first time after beating France 0-0 7-6 on penalties in the longest shootout in the tournament’s history.

A packed house of nearly 50,000 people in Brisbane went wild as the Aussies knocked out the fifth-ranked team in the world.

However, there was a strange moment during the match when a fan wearing a Matildas scarf was kicked off the stands by two police officers for displaying an Iranian flag.

In the clip, officers can be seen placing the man’s arms behind his back and guiding him away from his seat.

“Tonight at Suncorp Stadium, a fan was kicked out for displaying an Iranian flag during the #fifawwc quarterfinal between France and Australia. No idea why,” tweeted journalist Mark Gottlieb, who captured the man’s vision.

Gottlieb posted a second clip showing the lead up to the incident, in which the man loudly argues with stadium security.

In the background of the clip, a witness can be heard saying, “It’s getting messy.”

According to official FIFA rules posted on the stadium’s website, fans are allowed to bring “small flags, banners and posters” provided they are made of non-flammable material.

However, items of a political, offensive, sexual, discriminatory or commercial nature are strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the stadium.

Many fans feel that the ejected man has been dealt with harshly and took to Twitter to express their outrage.

“Unless there was something else we overlooked, this is absolutely ridiculous. Should be upped to @fifacom @fifawwc – good luck hosting a Men’s World Cup with this attitude, Australia,” one fan posted.

“This has been the appalling state of affairs with Suncorp stadium security for years,” said another.

The Matildas are now through to the semi-finals of the World Cup against England

“What happened to freedom of speech?” wrote a third.

Others thought that the police did well to remove the man.

‘He had to be removed. Correct call. Football matches should not be politicised. However ‘cool’ you think you are to protest oppression, think of the consequences!’ one fan replied.

“I don’t see anything wrong with the conclusion of this video,” said another.

The Matildas now meet England in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Sydney on Wednesday evening, after the European champions defeated Colombia 2-1.