FAI hit with €20,000 fine as pro-IRA chant violated ´rules of decent conduct´

The chanting of a pro-IRA slogan by Republic of Ireland players after they qualified for the Women’s World Cup has resulted in a €20,000 fine for the Football Association of Ireland.

UEFA, which oversees the European qualifiers, announced the punishment was imposed on the FAI for a “violation of the basic rules of decent conduct”.

Footage emerged on social media of the players chanting, “Ooh ah, up the Ra”, at Hampden Park in Glasgow after a 1-0 victory against Scotland on October 11.

That chant is widely interpreted as being supportive of the paramilitary Irish Republican Army.

In a statement issued on Thursday, UEFA said its control, ethics and disciplinary body had assessed evidence gathered by its inspector and imposed the financial penalty as a result.

Apologies soon followed the dressing room incident, with the FAI saying that it and national team manager Vera Pauw were sorry “for any offence caused” by the chanting.

Pauw told Sky Sports News in October: “We have hurt people and it doesn’t matter if we didn’t intend it or not – we should have known better. The players are truly hurt by the fact they hurt others.”