Ahmadinejad 's comparison of election losers to soccer fans unleashed wave of fury . `` I was addressing those who started riots and set up fires , '' he says in broadcast . TL;DR Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's comments about the results of Iran's presidential elections have sparked a backlash from opposition leaders. Key conservatives have complained of Ahmadinejad 's treatment of protesters .
Ahmadinejad 's comparison of election losers to soccer fans unleashed wave of fury . `` I was addressing those who started riots and set up fires , '' he says in broadcast . President of Iran attempts to embrace opponents : `` These all are victors '' Key conservatives have complained of Ahmadinejad 's treatment of protesters .