Pauw sorry for song, worried about players' fitness

Manager Vera Pauw during a Republic of Ireland Women media event at the Hilton Hotel in Northern Cross, Dublin, after their qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand following their play-off victory over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

What should have been a relaxed, celebratory morning for Ireland manager Vera Pauw was blighted by unwanted controversy. The Republic of Ireland manager offered a fulsome apology back in Dublin for the video that emerged of Irish players celebrating their 1-0 win over Scotland by singing 'Ooh ah, up the 'Ra', a sectarian song typically associated with support of the IRA.

Addressing the media in Malahide, Pauw chose to address the issue immediately and spoke at length about her disappointment over the episode, stating that the players realise they have let themselves down.