James McClean appears to have shared his reaction to the Republic of Ireland team's singing of a pro-IRA song while celebrating their Women's World Cup qualification.
The Girls in Green claimed a 1-0 victory over Scotland on Tuesday night to book their spots at the finals in Australia and New Zealand next year.
But their post-match celebrations have caused controversy as a video, widely circulated on social media, captured a number of the players singing "Up the Ra" to the Wolfe Tone's song 'Celtic Symphony'.
READ MORE: TV presenter slammed for suggesting Ireland 'need educating' after pro-IRA song
The FAI, the manager and a number of the players have apologised for the incident which has somewhat overshadowed their great achievement.
But Derryman McClean, who has spoken out many times about the sectarian abuse he receives while playing football in England, seems to support the Ireland team's song choice.
First posting a picture of the team to his Instagram to congratulate them, McClean, 33, then posted a snap of himself with members of the Wolfe Tones.
And in what seems a thinly-veiled reference to the controversy, the Ireland veteran captioned the post with lyrics of another song from the Wolfe Tones: "Let the people sing their stories and their songs and the music of their native lands."
Ireland women's manager Vera Pauw says there is no excuse for members of her team singing the pro-IRA song.
"We were made aware of a clip that has gone viral, out of the dressing-room," said Pauw.
"From the bottom of our heart, we are so sorry because there is no excuse for hurting people. It was unnecessary.
"I have spoken already with several players about it and the one who posted it is devastated, she is crying in her room. She is so, so sorry.
"But there is no excuse for it."
Pauw, 59, lives in the Netherlands and admits that she was unaware of the song.
"If I would have been there (in the dressing-room), to be honest, I would not have recognised (the song's significance) because I'm a foreigner, I don't know the song, I don't know what it means," she said.
"I asked, 'Did you know what you were singing?' And they said, 'Of course we know it but we didn't feel it, it was not meant to hurt anyone'.
"But that is no excuse.
"So if you know it, that means that if you have respect for people...and if you know what happened and you know the history and you know the background, because everybody knows that, then it shouldn't have happened.
"Deeply sorry. Even if it's in the emotions of the celebrations, it's as wrong as when it's planned. It shouldn't have happened."
READ NEXT:
Roy Keane gives brilliantly typical Irish answer to Monday Night Football question
Ireland pushing for automatic Euro 2028 qualification - if bid succeeds
Irish cyclist Mia Griffin takes inspiration from Sam Bennett after getting Covid before Worlds
Damien Duff fumes over added time after late Shamrock Rovers goal beats Shelbourne
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
