Leinster Rugby issued an apology after playing pro-IRA music in their stadium following their 41-12 win over rivals Connacht on Saturday.
The apology came after the Wolfe Tones’ “Celtic Symphony” was played. The song contains the lyrics “Ooh Ah, Up the Ra!” , referring to the Irish Republican Army.
Last month, UEFA fined the Irish Football Association €20,000 after videos emerged of Ireland’s women’s team singing the same song after their World Cup qualifying victory over Scotland.
A statement from Leinster said: “A song was played on the PA at the RDS Arena tonight that should not have been played.
“Leinster Rugby has taken steps to ensure this does not happen again and we sincerely apologize for its use and for any offense caused.”
According to reports, the song “Celtic Symphony” was played as the Leinster players completed their lap of honor following their victory over Connacht. It was then erased after a verse and chorus.
Leinster is Ireland’s most successful team and is the current captain of the Rugby United Championship.
Its team includes a number of Irish stars, including Captain Johnny Sexton.
Ireland women’s soccer team manager Vera Bowe has apologized after footage of her team singing the song emerged in October, and said the incident had taken the luster out of the World Cup qualifiers.
“It delves into Irish history,” she said. “We are hurting people and we are very sorry for that.”
The incident also coincided with “Celtic Symphony”, released by Wolfe Tones in 1989, rising to No. 2 on the UK iTunes chart.
Leinster Rugby issued an apology after playing pro-IRA music in their stadium following their 41-12 win over rivals Connacht on Saturday.
The apology came after the Wolfe Tones’ “Celtic Symphony” was played. The song contains the lyrics “Ooh Ah, Up the Ra!” , referring to the Irish Republican Army.
Last month, UEFA fined the Irish Football Association €20,000 after videos emerged of Ireland’s women’s team singing the same song after their World Cup qualifying victory over Scotland.
A statement from Leinster said: “A song was played on the PA at the RDS Arena tonight that should not have been played.
“Leinster Rugby has taken steps to ensure this does not happen again and we sincerely apologize for its use and for any offense caused.”
According to reports, the song “Celtic Symphony” was played as the Leinster players completed their lap of honor following their victory over Connacht. It was then erased after a verse and chorus.
Leinster is Ireland’s most successful team and is the current captain of the Rugby United Championship.
Its team includes a number of Irish stars, including Captain Johnny Sexton.
Ireland women’s soccer team manager Vera Bowe has apologized after footage of her team singing the song emerged in October, and said the incident had taken the luster out of the World Cup qualifiers.
“It delves into Irish history,” she said. “We hurt people and we deeply regret that.”
The incident also coincided with “Celtic Symphony”, released by Wolfe Tones in 1989, rising to No. 2 on the UK iTunes chart.
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