FAI apologise for offensive song in Ireland dressing room

The FAI have apologised after footage emerged of Republic of Ireland players singing pro-IRA song in the aftermath of their qualification for the World Cup in Glasgow on Tuesday night.

A video circulated on social media appeared to show the team, celebrating in their Hampden Park dressing room after the game, singing "Ooh ah, up the 'RA" - a song associated with support of the Irish Republican Army.

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 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," read their statement.

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."

Veteran player Aine O'Gorman reiterated the apology, telling RTÉ Sport: 'We sang 100 songs last night and that was the one that went out. We would just like to apologise to anyone who was offended."

Right full-back Jamie Finn also apologised for the "lapse of judgement".

"We are extremely sorry for the hurt it has caused, a lapse of judgement in the moment. We are extremely sorry and hopefully we can move past it."