Gary Lineker criticises US over 'unfair' treatment of World Cup team kicked out of country

 World Cup pundit Gary Lineker has launched a scathing attack on the United States over its shocking treatment of Iran's national team. His condemnation follows Iran being pushed to leave the country straight after their opening World Cup fixture against New Zealand.

Amir Ghalenoei's team drew 2-2 with the All Whites before being ordered to leave the States and return to their training headquarters in Mexico. That's the case even though the Group G contenders don't have a single fixture scheduled on Mexican soil.

The ongoing hostilities between the two nations are well-documented, with conflict raging following US-backed Israeli airstrikes, which began in February. Iran earned their place at the World Cup just like any other country, but Lineker believes the way they've been handled this summer paints a damning picture of the co-hosts.

"I think they've been treated very unfairly," said Lineker during an interview with Sky News. "I've covered a lot of World Cups, every one, either playing or broadcasting, since 1986, and I can't remember going into a tournament where the host nation's at war with one of the competing nations. So that was a first."

Lineker, who has featured on ITV's coverage of the World Cup, then alluded to the recent negotiations between the United States and Iran, which have led to a tentative 'peace deal' moving towards de-escalation. And the BBC icon suggested that could have provided solid grounds to allow Iran slightly more grace concerning their World Cup commitments.

"Hopefully the peace deal holds," he added. " And perhaps because of the peace deal, it might be a nice gesture if they allow Iran to stay in the country where their football matches are.

"So I do think they've been unfairly treated. But they've shown great spirit on the pitch. And that's important for them."

Speaking following the stalemate with New Zealand, Iran manager Ghalenoei described his side as "the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup." And having had their training base switched from Arizona to Mexico on the eve of the tournament, it's difficult to argue otherwise.

The Iranian football federation has indicated its intention to file an official complaint with FIFA over the treatment they've received.

"We are the only team that are participating in the World Cup that we are at the host cities just 24 hours and it is not fair," said Iranian football secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini. "All these limitations on us, it has negative effects on our physical and mental [preparations for the players]."

Iran are set to take on Egypt in Seattle on Friday evening. Victory would secure top spot in Group G, though even a draw may prove sufficient to progress provided they match or better Belgium's result against New Zealand.