The Irish Football Association and the manager of the women’s team have apologized after the players sang a song referencing the IRA while celebrating their qualification for the World Cup.
Videos circulated on social media showing them singing the song after Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Scotland at Hampden Park.
A statement from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) apologized “for any offense caused” for the dressing room incident.
Coach Vera Pauw said: “We apologize from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who was offended by the content of the post-match celebrations as 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 spoke with players this morning and we are collectively sorry for any injury caused, there is no excuse for this.”
The video showed a group of players jumping and singing “Ooh, ah, up the Ra” – a chant associated with support for the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
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Winger Aine O’Goran told RTE Sport in Ireland: “We sang 100 songs last night and that’s the one that came out. We would just like to apologize to anyone who was offended.”
The team has also been recorded singing Taylor Swift’s Love Song and Scottish team favorite Yes Sir, I can Boogie.
Ireland qualified for their first World Cup after Amber Barrett came off the bench to score the game’s only goal in the 72nd minute.
