Video footage circulated on social media after Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory at Hampden Park of the players singing the chant in the dressing room.
The FAI apologised for the singing at Hampden Park on Wednesday morning, which came to light on social media, but after Police Scotland confirmed they are “making enquires”, Uefa today said they were invoking their Article 31(4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations.
They state: “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 11 October 2022. Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
The Ireland women’s team apologise for singing a song referencing the IRA following their world cup qualification win against Scotland last night. pic.twitter.com/83flVC8ywp
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 12, 2022
A Police Scotland spokesman told the Scottish Daily Express on Wednesday: “We are aware of the video and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
Ireland manager Vera Pauw, who will attend the draw for the finals next Saturday in New Zealand, co-hosts of next July’s tournament alongside Australia, said:
“I’m responsible for the players, so on behalf of the players and the staff and the association I would offer my sincere apologies to all the people that we have hurt.”
“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.”
