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 might be “no excuse”.
“We’ll overview 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 harm precipitated.”
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 12 months’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 harm individuals, you do one thing mistaken and we have performed one thing mistaken right here.”
Pauw insisted that the discharge of the footage on social media by one of many squad was not the core situation, 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 advised her that placing it on social media will not be the largest factor.
“The most important factor is that it has occurred. It would not matter if you’re in personal room or a dressing room or if you’re exterior.”
Squad member Aine O’Gorman mentioned the gamers needed to “reiterate” the supervisor’s apology.
“We would 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 harm it is precipitated”.
“A lapse in judgement within the second. We’re extraordinarily sorry and hopefully we will transfer previous it,” added Mustaki.
