The Soccer Affiliation of Eire and the Republic of Eire girls’s staff supervisor Vera Pauw have apologised for a pro-IRA chant sung by gamers after the World Cup play-off win over Scotland.
Video emerged of the Republic of Eire girls singing a pro-IRA chant following the World Cup play-off.
“We apologise from the underside of our hearts to anybody who has been offended by the content material of the post-match celebrations,” mentioned Pauw.
Pauw added there may very well be “no excuse”.
“We are going to evaluation this with the gamers and remind them of their tasks on this regard,” continued the Republic of Eire boss in an FAI assertion.
“I’ve spoken with gamers this morning and we’re sorry collectively for any damage prompted.”
The footage confirmed staff members chanting the pro-IRA slogan within the Hampden Park dressing room following their 1-0 win after Amber Barrett’s objective earned the aspect a spot at subsequent yr’s finals in Australia and New Zealand.
Talking later to the media, the Republic supervisor acknowledged that the controversy has “taken some shine off” of the staff’s achievement in qualifying for a primary main event.
“We have to settle for that,” added the Dutch lady.
“That is one thing that goes very deep into the historical past of Eire. As quickly as you damage folks, you do one thing unsuitable and we have carried out one thing unsuitable right here.”
Pauw insisted that the discharge of the footage on social media by one of many squad was not the core problem, including the participant “was devastated and crying in her room”.
“I do not need to disguise behind that as a result of it she hadn’t put it on social media and I had been notified about it and the importance, then I’d have addressed it instantly.
“I’ve additionally instructed her that placing in on social media isn’t the most important factor.
“The most important factor is that’s has occurred. It would not matter in case you are in personal room or a dressing room or in case you are outdoors.”
Squad member Aine O’Gorman mentioned the gamers needed to “reiterate” the supervisor’s apology.
“We might wish to apologise for that for anybody that was offended,” added O’Gorman.
Her team-mate Chloe Mustaki added that the gamers had been “extraordinarily sorry for the damage it is prompted”.
“A lapse in judgement within the second. We’re extraordinarily sorry and hopefully we are able to transfer previous it,” added Mustaki.