Katie McCabe denies playing lead role in Vera Pauw’s exit as Ireland boss

But the Ireland captain admits she regretted her handling of the infamous emoji.

AYE AYE CAPTAIN: Katie McCabe speaks to the press on Monday. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Katie McCabe has denied she was a central character in Vera Pauw’s exit as Ireland boss but admits she regrets her handling of the infamous emoji post.

The Ireland skipper tweeted a zipped mouth image within 20 minutes of their final World Cup game against Nigeria. The scoreless draw was overshadowed by a sideline spat between the parties, with Pauw claiming she refused a request from the captain to substitute Sinead Farrelly.