The Iranian women’s football team photographed protesters who want to keep them safe in Australia as fears spread over what might happen to them if they return home.

While war is ravaging Iran, the players could also face difficulties from the government there after previously opting not to sing the national anthem.

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According to the Australian news agency AAP, demonstrators blocked the team bus and caused turmoil for around 15 minutes after the team’s Asian Cup exit on Sunday. Many of the protesters were from the Iranian-Australian community.

Some of the approximately 200 demonstrators banged on the bus and shouted “let them go,” apparently calling for the players to be allowed to stay in Australia. The police then intervened.

AAP said the Iranian players were filmed taking photographs of the protests. There were unverified reports from activists that players communicated the word “help” using sign language.

Iran lost 2-0 to the Philippines in Gold Coast and were eliminated from the Asian Cup without any points or goals.

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Given the war in Iran, it was initially unclear how and when the team would be able to return home. The squad had travelled to the Asian Cup before the conflict began.

Before their opening defeat against South Korea on Monday, they did not sing the national anthem. However, they sang it at the next two games.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Iranian shah who was overthrown in an Islamic revolution in 1979, posted on X: “The members of the Iranian Women’s National Football Team are under significant pressure and ongoing threat from the Islamic Republic.

“As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should they return to Iran. I call on the Australian government to ensure their safety and give them any and all needed support.”

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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong previously told broadcaster ABC that her government stood in solidarity with those oppressed in Iran but, “I don’t want to get into commentary about the Iranian women’s team.”

Dave Sharma, an opposition spokesman for citizenship and multicultural affairs, said Australia should consider any asylum claims from the Iranian women’s team.

Iran’s men are due to play in the football World Cup in the United Satates, Canada and Mexico in June and July. The US-Israeli strikes on the country have led to a debate over whether they can take part.