An Iranian mother spared the life of her son’s convicted murderer with an emotional slap in the face as he awaited execution with the noose around his neck, a newspaper reported.

Iranian soccer officials began an investigation today into the collapse of a roof at an overcrowded stadium that left at least one fan dead and hundreds injured.

Several soccer fans were killed and hundreds more were injured yesterday when part of the roof of a stadium grandstand caved in during a game.