Irish women under fire for controversial World Cup qualifying act

The Republic of Ireland women's football team have sparked controversy after footage emerged on social media of players singing a pro-IRA chant after qualifying for the World Cup.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and manager Vera Pauw have both been forced to apologise after their team qualified for the World Cup for the first time with a 1-0 play-off victory over Scotland at Hampden Park.

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During the team's post-match celebrations, video circulated on social media appearing to show the players singing a pro-IRA chant in the change rooms.

The FAI and Pauw promised an investigation into the controversy and said they were sorry for any offence caused as a result of the Irish players' actions.

An FAI statement said: “The Football Association of Ireland and the Republic of 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 Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.”

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.

“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.”

Further social media footage showed the Ireland players celebrating both on their flight home from Glasgow and after they had touched down in Dublin, where emergency crews assembled to welcome their return with sirens and flashing lights.

Amber Barrett’s cool 72nd-minute finish had earlier secured their passage to Australia and New Zealand, where they will join holders the United States and European champions England at next summer’s finals.

Neil Lennon addresses issue of sectarianism

Former Celtic manager and Northern Ireland international Neil Lennon - who is the current coach at Omonia Nicosia - spoke about the issue of sectarianism ahead of his side's Europa League clash against Manchester United.

“It is a social thing. It has been around a lot longer than I have been on this earth," Lennon said.

“I have been through it myself on both sides. It’s got to come from the home.

“The Celtic fans are anti-monarchists and have been for a long time. It is not just a sporting thing. It is a political thing.

“Obviously the Troubles in Ireland have been well documented for over 50 years. How do you change it?

“You just have to keep beating the drum to try and find a level playing field but it is not just sectarianism.

“There is racism in sport and sexism as well in some quarters. We live in an open society.

“We are trying to move forward but every now and then we get dragged back.

“I can’t comment for the individuals. I can’t speak for the individuals. I just hope they learn their lesson and learn it quickly.”

with agencies

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