Tehran:Two Iranian football players who engaged in "inappropriate" celebratory behaviour on national television might face public lashings on the pitch, the semi-official Fars News Agency has reported.

Members of parliament, sports officials and judges have called for the "swift punishment" of Mohammad Nosrati and Sheys Rezaei, two football stars who play for one of Iran's most popular clubs, Tehran-based Persepolis.

After one of their teammates scored the winning goal of a 3-2 match on Saturday, ending a long losing streak, Nosrati pressed his hand into Rezaei's behind as they and their teammates jumped on each other in celebration.

As millions watched on television, Nosrati appeared to be trying to push his hand between Rezaei's buttocks. It remained unclear whether Rezaei had engaged in a similar action earlier in the game.