Yashar Bugun - November 15, 2010
When the chiefs of Tractor Manufacturing Co. (ITMCO) decided to establish a football club in Tabriz in 1970, they likely did not foresee that this team would evolve into a symbol of Azerbaijani Turkish identity and resistance, transcending the realm of football. Tractor Football Club is based in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran, and plays in the country's top-tier football league, the Persian Gulf Pro League. Known as the "Red Wolves," the team has a passionate fanbase, with the average attendance at home games in Sahand Stadium (officially named Yadegar-e-Emam, though more commonly known as Sahand) often exceeding 60,000 spectators. Even at away games, such as in Tehran, the number of Tractor fans is often equal to or exceeds the number of fans supporting the home team.
Another slogan reflects the ongoing environmental crisis of Urmia Lake, a key symbol for the Azerbaijani people. The chant "gəlin gedax ağlıyax—urmu gölün doldurax" means "Let's go and cry—fill the lake up with our tears," underscoring the dire situation surrounding the lake's drying. Other slogans include "Viva Azerbaijan" (Yaşasın Azərbaycan), "Long live Azerbaijan—shame on the enemies of Azerbaijan" (Azərbaycan var olsun—istəmiyən kör olsun), and "Azerbaijan is our land—Tractor is our red wolf" (Azərbaycan yurdumuz—Tiraxtur boz qurdumuz), all of which reflect the national pride and identity of Azerbaijani Turks.
However, in recent years, the club and its supporters have faced harsh and oppressive actions from the Iranian authorities. The repressive and closed social climate in Iran, combined with the relatively open atmosphere of football stadiums, has transformed the football pitch into a space for protest, particularly for Azerbaijani Turks. Tractor's fans, known for their enthusiastic support, have become targets of violence, including beatings with batons, illegal arrests, imprisonment, and other brutal actions by security forces. In the last two years, many Tractor fans have been imprisoned simply for their love of Azerbaijan and their support for the team.
A distinctive characteristic of these passionate fans is their active presence on the internet. Many Tractor fans distrust the government-controlled media and prefer to follow news related to Azerbaijan and their team through independent media channels. However, the totalitarian regime in Iran has obstructed these efforts by censoring and closing websites dedicated to the cause. Well-known fan websites such as www.tractorfans.com and www.trakhtorfans.com were shut down by security forces, with the site administrators and owners facing imprisonment. Despite these efforts to silence the fanbase, Tractor supporters continue to find new ways to share news and express their support for Azerbaijan.
Additionally, Tractor Football Club, which is sponsored by the Tractor Manufacturing Company, has seen increased interference from government organizations in its management. Many of the club's top executives are appointed by the Islamic Republic's security agencies, with members of the Guardian Council of Iran placed in positions of power. This direct government interference violates FIFA’s principle of non-interference in football associations, yet such actions persist without consequence, largely due to the lack of oversight from international bodies like FIFA.
One of the most concerning issues for Tractor fans is the persistent racism and discrimination they face both on and off the pitch. The club's association with Azerbaijani identity has led to racist chants and insults directed at Turkish fans by rival supporters. In cities such as Kerman, Isfahan, and Bushehr, television broadcasts have captured offensive and racist slogans targeting Turkish people. Despite these incidents, the Iranian Pro League's disciplinary committee has failed to take significant action. In a particularly notable match against Persepolis in Tehran, host fans insulted Azerbaijani Turks, and the chants were broadcast live on Iranian television. After the match, Tractor supporters expressed their anger over the lack of response from referees and the football federation, which led to protests in the stadium. Security forces responded violently, attacking fans and forcing them to leave the stadium.
In retaliation, the disciplinary committee imposed sanctions on Tractor Football Club, including two games without spectators and hefty financial penalties. Despite these efforts to silence the fanbase, Tractor fans have continued to voice their demands for justice. A petition was circulated, calling on FIFA executives to intervene and address the injustices and racist atmosphere in Iranian football.
Tractor Football Club's story is more than that of a sports team. It is a story of resistance, national pride, and the struggle for the rights of Azerbaijani Turks in Iran. The club has become a symbol of their resilience in the face of repression, and its fans continue to fight for their identity, their language, and their culture in the face of government censorship and violence.