The FAI and Ireland manager Vera Pauw have issued a profound apology after video footage surfaced online of the Irish national women's team chanting pro-IRA songs following their World Cup qualifying win over Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday night.
The apology comes after a video circulated on TikTok and Twitter appeared to show the team chanting "Ooh ah, up the 'RA" in the Hampton Park away team dressing room.
The Republic of Ireland qualified for their first World Cup in 20 years and their first-ever Women's World Cup following a 1-0 win over Scotland in Glasgow.
The statement reads: "The Football Association of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland 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 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying Play-off win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night."
Ireland manager Vera Pauw said: "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."
The video has so far caused widespread condemnation on social media, with one Twitter user posting: "[This is] glorifying terrorist murderers is as horrific & repulsive as it gets shame on them. Females chanting for people who murdered children women & men in cold blood is utter evil shame on them."
Another wrote: "Disgusting, embarrassing for their manager too who has had to apologise now on their behalf."
The controversy follows a congratulation by President Michael D Higgins, with the official President of Ireland account tweeting: "Congratulations to the [FAI] Women's National Team on their historic achievement in qualifying for the [Fifa] World Cup."
The tweet also used the team's hashtag #COYGIG, 'Come on you girls in green'.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the team's qualification as a "brilliant, inspirational and historic achievement".
"A disciplined, organised and spirited performance on a wonderful night for Irish football.
"We are going to the World Cup!" Mr Martin tweeted.
Congratulations Ireland on a brilliant, inspirational and historic achievement.
A disciplined, organised and spirited performance on a wonderful night for Irish football.
We are going to the World Cup! 🇮🇪
#COYGIG @FIFAWWC https://t.co/NFw9cKnw4y— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 11, 2022
Tuesday's European playoff finals also saw Switzerland claim a place in the tournament having defeated Wales 2-1 after extra time.
Portugal, the winner's of the evening's other game, placed third behind Switzerland and Ireland, meaning they will now play in the Inter-Confederation playoffs next February in the hopes of securing one of three remaining World Cup spots.
Pauw's team join 28 other nations which have secured qualification, including hosts Australia and New Zealand, as well as reigning world champions USA, and European champions England.
The draws for the 2023 World Cup (July 20th-August 20th) will be held on Saturday, October 22nd in Auckland, New Zealand at 7.30pm local time (7.30am Irish time).
