The Taoiseach does not believe there was any “malice” in the “Ooh, ah, up the ‘Ra” chant by the Ireland women’s football side after their big World Cup qualifying win.
Micheal Martin’s intervention came as it was confirmed that UEFA and Police Scotland have both launched investigations into the incident. The Taoiseach praised the “magnificent” achievements of the team in their World Cup qualifying run that saw Ireland beating Scotland in a dramatic play-off on Tuesday night.
Mr Martin said: “It was a magnificent win, it was a magnificent performance. I said it myself afterwards, you know, the discipline, the resilience, strength, organisation was just incredible for 96 minutes. And that speaks of I think, good character in that team, and they deliver outstanding results.”
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When asked about the singing of the chant in the dressing room after their victory, the Taoiseach told Pat Kenny on Newstalk radio yesterday: “I think things, to be fair…. I don’t believe any malice was intended here at all, these things can happen.
“What really has struck me was the speed and totality of the apology, the comprehensive nature of that.” Meanwhile, UEFA confirmed an investigation has begun.
A UEFA spokesman said: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations, a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will investigate potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on October 11.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
The FAI, Ireland manager Vera Pauw and various members of the women’s football team have all apologised already. A spokesman for the FAI said: “The Football Association of Ireland and the Republic of 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 Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.”
Ms Pauw added: “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 and we are sorry collectively for any
hurt caused, there can be no excuse for that.” The team is now preparing to proudly represent the Republic of Ireland at the FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next July.
Supersub Amber Barrett, from Milford, Co Donegal, secured victory for Ireland with a 71st minute strike.
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