Raucous celebrations referencing the IRA from the women’s team after qualifying for the World Cup have cost Ireland’s football association €20,000.

The team was caught on camera singing the song after beating Scotland 1-0 at Hampden Park in October.

The video, which circulated on social media, showed a group of players jumping and singing “Ooh, ah, up the Ra” – a chant associated with support for the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

UEFA has fined the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) €20,000 after an investigation found the behaviour amounted to a “violation of the basic rules of decent conduct”.

In a statement, UEFA said the decision was reached after an investigation by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary inspector.

At the time of the video coming to light, the FAI apologised “for any offence caused” for the dressing room incident.

Coach Vera Pauw said: “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.

Read more:
Ireland women players ‘sorry for hurt caused’ by IRA song
World Cup history for Ireland women’s team

“I have spoken with players this morning and we are sorry collectively for any hurt caused, there can be no excuse for that.”

Ireland qualified for their first World Cup after Amber Barrett came off the bench to score the game’s only goal in the 72nd minute.

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