Shamrock Rovers fans were slammed online for singing a song mocking Queen Elizabeth II's death at their Europa Conference League game against Djurgardens last night.
The League of Ireland team took on the Swedish side in Europe's third-tier competition on Thursday night, hours after confirmation of the Queen's passing. A clip posted on Twitter shows a group of fans singing the words "Lizzie's in a box," to the tune of KC and the Sunshine Band hit, Give It Up.
The supporters, some of whom waved flags and pumped fists in the air while belting out the words, have been heavily criticised on social media. One person wrote: "Although the Queen has sadly passed away, we can rest assured that her majesty's final resting place will never be lower than scummy little clubs like Shamrock Rovers and their fans."
Read more: Mary Byrne pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth and says 'she reminded me of my mother'
Someone else said: "Sick sick sick losers, so many disrespect, jealous a******** showing themselves today." Another user wrote: "Wow, I cannot comprehend what sick minds it takes to sing this."
A fourth person commented: "Disgraceful. It takes a certain type of person to celebrate the death of an elderly lady. Sick." As another appalled viewer chimed in with: "Imagine being this excited about the death of an old lady. Pathetic."
The clip has so far been viewed almost 4million times on Twitter, receiving over 27,000 retweets and 100,000 likes.
In a statement to Dublin Live, Shamrock Rovers condemned the "highly insensitive and callous chanting" captured in the video. A spokesman said: "Shamrock Rovers F.C. has been made aware of chants by a group of individuals at last night's game.
"Such highly insensitive and callous chanting is not acceptable at our club and is against the values that Shamrock Rovers F.C. stands for. Our ground regulations issued on match tickets and on signage at entry strictly prohibits such activity.
He added: "This is also announced over the PA system before all of our games in Tallaght Stadium". The full PA message is: "Shamrock Rovers Football Club welcomes all supporters to its grounds and condemns any form of bigotry and discrimination in soccer.
"Shamrock Rovers Football Club does not condone hostile abuse of individual players, spectators, or officials based on ethnic or cultural background, nationality, or religious affiliation. Those found to be involved in any such behaviour will face ejection from the ground and will be reported to the Gardai."
Despite the action of some fans at the match, the Queen was warmly remembered by Irish politicians.
In 2011, she became the first British monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland since Irish independence. She made gestures of reconciliation for Britain's past in Ireland during the four-day visit, ending in a speech in which she expressed regret for past conflicts between the two countries.
"During those memorable few days, the Queen did not shy away from the shadows of the past," President Michael D. Higgins said in a statement.
"Her moving words and gestures of respect were deeply appreciated and admired by the people of Ireland and set out a new, forward-looking relationship between our nations – one of respect, close partnership and sincere friendship."
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Queen's death was an "end of an era." He said: "Her state visit to Ireland in 2011 marked a crucial step in the normalisation of relations with our nearest neighbour.
"That visit was a great success, largely because of the many gracious gestures and warm remarks made by the Queen during her time in Ireland.
"Her popularity with the Irish people was also very evident and clearly made a very positive impact on the Queen. In particular, I recall the warmth of the welcome she received from the public in Cork during her walkabout at the English Market.
"To her grieving family and people, the Irish government join with you in mourning the loss of an exceptional woman who led by quiet and dignified example and who touched so many lives over her exceptionally long reign."
Read Next:
- Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96
President Michael D Higgins pays tribute as Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96
In pictures: Queen Elizabeth II's historic four-day visit to Dublin
Queen's doctors 'concerned' for her health as Palace issues rare statement
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
