UEFA has launched an investigation after some Republic of Ireland players appeared to sing a pro-IRA chant after their Women’s World Cup play-off win over Scotland.
Video footage circulated on a social media of the Girls in Green from the dressing rooms of Hampden Park after the game on Tuesday night.
Vera Pauw’s side secured a spot at next year’s World Cup finals after the victory but the apparent incident has dampened the celebrations.
FAI brass and Vera Pauw issued a statement as they apologised for some players singing a pro-IRA chant.
The statement read: “The Football Association of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland Ireland Women’s National Team Manager Vera Pauw apologise for any offence caused by a song sung by players in the Ireland dressing room after the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Play-off win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.”
Pauw expressed her regret at any offence caused from the incident during an interview with Sky Sports.
The Ireland boss said: “We apologise from the bottom of our hearts to anyone who has been offended by the content of the post-match celebrations after we had just qualified for the World Cup.
“We will review this with the players and remind them of their responsibilities in this regard. I have spoken with players this morning and we are sorry collectively for any hurt caused, there can be no excuse for that.”
But now UEFA has confirmed it will launch a probe into the incident after releasing a statement this afternoon.
The European governing body released a statement that read: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations, a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will investigate potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on October 11, 2022,”
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“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
The FAI replied to UEFA’s statement by reiterating their regret at the incident.
It read: “The Football Association of Ireland notes that UEFA is to conduct an investigation around the Scotland v Republic of Ireland 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Play-Off at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
“The FAI again apologises for any offence caused and we will continue to review this situation accordingly to ensure that our international players and staff, across all of our teams, are aware of their responsibilities.”