Ireland's qualification for the 2023 World Cup, which takes place next year in Australia and New Zealand, has been overshadowed by the spread of a video on social networks in which the soccer players appear singing a pro-IRA song in the locker room.
It happened at the moment when the Girls in Green were celebrating the pass after beating the Scottish team by the minimum at Hampden Park (0-1) with a goal from Amber Barrett.
The Irish coach apologized on Wednesday after her players sang the chant. Video footage from goalkeeper Grace Moloney's Instagram live showed the players singing and partying to the tune of Ooh ah, up the 'RA.
Vera Pauw apologized "from the bottom of our hearts to anyone who was offended by the content of the post-match celebrations." “We will review this with the players and remind them of their responsibilities in this regard,” Pauw said.
The coach explained that she had spoken with her pupils on Wednesday morning and insisted that they regret "any damage caused" without making an excuse. The Irish Football Association also issued an apology "for any offense caused".
Support for the Irish Republican Army remains controversial amid efforts to heal the wounds left by decades of sectarian violence known as "The Troubles." While some see the IRA as freedom fighters in the campaign to reunify Ireland, others condemn its role in attacks that killed nearly 1,800 people as militants sought to end British rule in Northern Ireland.
Most militants renounced violence after the 1998 deal brought peace to the island, but occasional bombings and shootings are still blamed on IRA dissidents.
