The Irish FA says it will investigate video footage appearing to show a Mid Ulster soccer team singing a song which contains lyrics supporting the IRA.
Footage emerged on Monday allegedly showing Coalisland Athletic players singing the Wolfe Tones' Celtic Symphony on board their team bus, which includes the line 'Up the Ra'.
The Co Tyrone club were celebrating their first-ever Irish Junior Cup success after a brilliant 4-1 win over Bangor YM in the final at Windsor Park. It is the highest honour for a junior soccer club in Northern Ireland.
The Irish FA said in a statement: “We are aware of the footage which has appeared on social media and the matter will be investigated accordingly.”
Coalisland earned rave reviews for their stellar performance at Windsor on Monday, with Sinn Fein vice-president and Co Tyrone native Michelle O'Neill praising the club on their performance and win.
DUP Mid Ulster candidate Keith Buchanan described Coalisland's Junior Cup triumph as a "significant achievement", but said the video footage had "tarnished" the club's trophy success.
He said in a statement: “The footage in question appears to have been posted onto the team’s Facebook page but has been removed.
"It is a significant achievement for any team to win the Irish Junior Cup but this significantly tarnishes that achievement.
"The club should confirm the authenticity of this video, and where it stands on such behaviour. It isn’t acceptable behaviour by fans in the stands at a ground and it certainly isn’t acceptable for players on the team bus.
"There can be no place for such songs in sport."
Coalisland Football Club have been contacted for a response.
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
