Football: S. Korea media blame Iran for angry scenes at World Cup qualifier

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korean media blamed Iran on Wednesday for angry scenes at a tense World Cup qualifier which ended with fans pelting debris on to the pitch and the visiting coach under fire for a rude gesture.

Local newspapers said Iran's players had goaded the crowd with wild celebrations as their 1-0 win in Ulsan on Tuesday saw them qualify for the 2014 World Cup after an acrimonious build-up to the match.

Hundreds of fans hurled plastic water bottles and drinks cans as delighted Iranian players grabbed their national flag and ran around the pitch to celebrate with their fans.

Iran's Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz was also seen pumping his fist aggressively and shouting to his rival Choi Kang Hee in an incident which Korean officials said had attracted the attention of world body Fia.

The shambolic finale tainted South Korea's achievement in also sealing their spot at the World Cup, which was confirmed by goal difference when Uzbekistan failed to beat Qatar by seven goals in Tashkent.

While hundred of thousands of Iranians partied in the streets of Tehran, many South Korean fans said they felt ashamed of the crowd's behaviour. However, some newspapers pointed the finger of blame at Iran.

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