UEFA and Police Scotland have launched separate investigations after a video circulated online showing members of the Republic of Ireland team singing a pro-IRA song after their World Cup play-off win over Scotland.
Footage emerged showing a number of players in the squad singing along to Wolfe Tones song 'Celtic Symphony', which includes a pro-IRA reference, in their dressing room after the 1-0 victory on Tuesday night.
Republic boss Vera Pauw and the Football Association of Ireland issued apologies over the incident, but European football’s governing body has confirmed it will take a closer look.
READ MORE: Neil Lennon says he hopes Ireland players 'learn their lesson quickly' over pro-IRA song
UEFA confirmed they have opened an investigation into the chant, saying 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."
Following UEFA's statement, the FAI commented: "The Football Association of Ireland notes that UEFA is to conduct an investigation around the Scotland v Republic of Ireland 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Play-Off at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
"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."
The video has been widely condemned online and Police Scotland has said it is now investigating, the Scottish Daily Express reports.
A police spokesman said: "We are aware of the video and enquiries into the incident are ongoing."
Pauw apologised for any offence caused as her jubilant players celebrated reaching the World Cup finals for the first time.
The manager and her employers, the Football Association of Ireland, issued an apology on Wednesday morning.
An FAI statement 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.”
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 this morning and we are sorry collectively for any hurt caused, there can be no excuse for that.”
Further social media footage showed the Ireland players celebrating both on their flight home from Glasgow and after they had touched down in Dublin, where emergency crews assembled to welcome their return with sirens and flashing lights.
Amber Barrett’s cool 72nd-minute finish had earlier secured their passage to Australia and New Zealand, where they will join holders the United States and European champions England at next summer’s finals.
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