TEHRAN -- Four football greats of Iran have asked the fans of Persepolis and Esteqlal to support their favorite teams in Friday's match between the two sides of capital to be held in Tabriz, East Azarbaijan Province.

Invited by the Sports Desk of IRNA on the occasion of its third establishment anniversary, four veteran footballers of the national side and clubs Persepolis and Esteqlal Hossein Kalani, Homayoun Behzadi, Gholamhossein Mazloumi and Javad Qorab exchanged views with IRNA on the role of media and officials in using the veterans' experiences and proposals for removing the obstacles and promotion of this popular sport.

The four players who have an undeniable role in the success of Iran in Asian Nations Cup, Asian Games and other international events asked the players of Persepolis and Esteqlal to keep away from off-the-pitch problems and play nice football.

They also encouraged the spectators to prevent the hooligans from using foul language.