UEFA’s governing body has fined the Football Association of Ireland after members of its women’s team were filmed singing a pro-IRA chant after their 1-0 win over Scotland.
The players were filmed singing and dancing while chanting “Ooh ah, up the ‘RA” in support of the paramilitary Irish Republican Army (IRA), which is said to have carried out a series of bombings and assassinations during its long campaign of terror. in Northern Ireland to end British rule.
The video went viral on social media, prompting the players, Ireland manager Vera Pauw and the FAI to apologize for the incident. Vera Pauw said:
‘It’s quite right that it has lost some of its luster because it delves deep into Irish history.
“It doesn’t matter if the players meant something or not, because they didn’t mean anything by it, it’s a celebration that happens, but that doesn’t mean they (shouldn’t) realize what they’re doing.
‘If it’s in a private room, it shouldn’t happen either. We’ve hurt people and we’re very, very sorry for that.’
“We will review this with the players and remind them of their responsibilities in this regard. I have spoken to the players this morning and we are collectively sorry for any damage caused, there can be no excuse for that.
Watch the clip that fined them below:
hahahahahahaha pic.twitter.com/nl6JZRDX8G
— lauren corelli / loco (@corelliLAUREN) October 11, 2022
