“A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will investigate the incident.”
FAI, Uefa and Scottish Police have launched an investigation into Ireland players singing a pro-IRA song following the Irish team’s victory over Scotland.
The win meant that Ireland qualified for the World Cup and during the jubilant scenes of celebration, video footage emerged of the players in the dressing room singing the rebel song ‘Celtic Symphony’.
Despite the Republic boss Vera Pauw and the Football Association of Ireland issuing apologies, European football’s governing body has confirmed it will make its own investigation.
UEFA released a statement on the matter: “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.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
Players Chloe Mustaki and Áine O’Gorman gave an interview to the press, the morning after and apologised for any offence they may have caused.
Very poor last question to ask re education. #knowyourhistory https://t.co/iVUNPYWCLL
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) October 12, 2022
“Look, we’re all really sorry here in Dublin,” Mustaki told Sky Sports News.
“It was obviously a massive lapse in judgement on our end, you know, lots going on when the final whistle went and we absolutely didn’t mean to cause any hurt on our end so we do really apologise for that, absolutely.”
However, some leading figures in Irish football have jumped to the defence of the Ireland team, including current International star James McClean.
The Derry native posted a picture of himself and the members of The Wolf Tones on his Instagram with the following caption.
“Let the people sing their stories, and their songs, and the music of their native land.”
The FAI have not been as defiant, and issued their own statement apologising for the incident, confirming that they will continue to review the situation.
“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.”
Pauw added: “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.
The video has been widely condemned online and Police Scotland has said it is now investigating, the Scottish Daily Express reports.
A police spokesman said: “We are aware of the video and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
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- Sky Sports presenter asks Ireland star if team ‘need to be educated’ after controversial song
- Kevin Kilbane and James McClean among leading figures to speak out over rebel song controversy
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