Police Scotland investigate 'IRA chant' following Ireland's Hampden play-off win

Police have launched an investigation after Republic of Ireland players appeared to sing a pro-IRA chant following their Women’s World Cup play-off victory over Scotland.

Video footage circulated on social media after Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory at Hampden Park of the players singing the chant in the dressing room.

Manager Pauw and her employers, the Football Association of Ireland, issued an apology on Wednesday morning, saying “there can be no excuse”.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the video and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

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.”

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.”

Amber Barrett’s 72nd-minute goal proved enough to seal the Republic’s qualification for next year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand.