This piece on the video of the Ireland WNT chanting 'Up the Ra' has been updated with the news of a UEFA investigation into the incident.
The FAI and the manager of the Irish women's football team Vera Pauw have issued an apology this morning after a video was circulated from the Ireland team dressing room with players chanting 'up the RA'
Tuesday night was a night to remember for the Irish women's football team. Ireland made history by qualifying for their first-ever Women's World Cup.
However there was been some controversy in relation to the post-match celebrations.
A video has circulated online of a number of members of the Ireland team chanting 'ooh ah up the RA'. The video was part of an Instagram live broadcast from the Hampden Park dressing room by Ireland goalkeeper Grace Moloney.
The chant came as 'Celtic Symphony' by the Wolfe Tones played in the background.
In a statement, the FAI manager Vera Pauw apologised to 'anyone who has been offended' by the 'up the RA chant'
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.”
There was debate on social media about whether the video was doctored. The statement is an admission that the chant was real.
A video of the Ireland team singing ''Love Story' by Taylor Swift also went viral.
A number of voices in Northern Ireland condemned the chant on Twitter.
If this clip is not a fake, & I can’t see any counter clip being circulated, then @FAIreland need to make a statement condemning it & then hold an education class for these girls. To victims of the IRA like my family these scenes are horrible reminders of how we lost our dad https://t.co/yPm6WaM9ZQ
— Austin Stack 🇮🇪🇪🇺 (@adstack68) October 12, 2022
Imagine, for just one moment, the NI a international team were saying ‘up the UVF/UDA’.
The IFA even (to their eternal shame) occasionally drop our national anthem from Cup finals let alone tolerate this.
Welcome to the ‘peace process’ https://t.co/Idz3Cl4gSK— Jamie Bryson (@JamieBrysonCPNI) October 12, 2022
More discussion followed after a contentious interview by Sky Sports host Rob Wotton with Irish player Chloe Mustaki.
UEFA investigating Ireland 'Up The Ra' video
It has since emerged on Thursday afternoon that UEFA are to investigate the video of the Ireland team singing 'Up the Ra'. UEFA's statement on the matter said that they would be investigating for "potential inappropriate behaviour" by the Irish squad.
UEFA confirm investigation into 'potential inappropriate behaviour' by Republic of Ireland players after win v Scotland this week.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) October 13, 2022
In response, a statement was released by the FAI:
The Football Association of Ireland notes that UEFA is to conduct an investigation around the Scotland v Republic of Ireland 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Play-Off at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
The FAI again apologises for any offence caused and we will continue to review this situation accordingly to ensure that our international players and staff, across all of our teams, are aware of their responsibilities.
SEE ALSO: Vera Pauw Shares Touching Moment With Tony O'Donoghue After Ireland Qualify For World Cup
