Joe Brolly has had his say on the reaction to a video showing some members of the Republic of Ireland team singing a pro-IRA chant after their World Cup play-off win over Scotland.
Footage emerged showing a number of players singing along to the Wolfe Tones song 'Celtic Symphony' in their changing room after the 1-0 victory on Tuesday night.
Republic boss Vera Pauw and the Football Association of Ireland have issued apologies over the incident, but UEFA has confirmed it will take a closer look.
Read more: Neil Lennon says more is needed to tackle sectarianism in sport
In the aftermath of the video emerging, Sky Sports News presenter Rob Wotton was criticised after he asked Ireland star Chloe Mustaki if the team needed educating "on issues like this".
The Bristol City player replied by saying: "I don't really think so. I think we need to learn in these moments to be better and to do better.
"You know, we've all been brought up knowing a lot about Irish history.
"So, we just need to be better in moments like this, and we recognise that absolutely on our end."
Brolly has since posted a number of tongue in cheek tweets over the incident on social media, reports the Irish Mirror.
Joe Brolly (Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie)
Referencing the 1996 film 'Michael Collins', Brolly wrote: "Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts to apologise to Britain for glorifying IRA terrorism."
Another tweet from the 1993 All-Ireland winner read: "FAI to apologise to SKY News for failing to educate Jack Charlton, after it emerged his favourite team song while Irish manager was Sean South & his lorryload of IRA volunteers."
He later added: "Irish gov. to apologise to SKY News & Britain for the Irish National anthem, written by a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood & adopted by the IRA during the War of Independence. Police have launched an investigation into allegations it is regularly sung at Croke Park."
Confirming they were investigating the incident on Thursday, UEFA said in a statement: “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, 2022.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.
Ireland manager Vera Pauw (Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
Pauw said on Wednesday: “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.”
Amber Barrett’s 72nd-minute goal proved enough to seal the Republic’s qualification for next year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The FAI released a further statement on Thursday acknowledging the opening of an investigation by UEFA, and adding: “The FAI again apologises for any offence caused and we will continue to review this situation accordingly to ensure that our international players and staff, across all of our teams, are aware of their responsibilities.”
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