FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings into “possible discriminatory” chants by England fans during their World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia on Wednesday.
Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time goal fired the Croats into their first ever World Cup final but the FA could now face charges for discriminatory chants with ‘No surrender to the IRA’ believed to be one of the chants under investigation.
Breaking: Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings over "possible discriminatory" chants by England fans during Croatia semi-final.
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) July 12, 2018
Fifa: “We can confirm that a report has been filed through the anti-discrimination monitoring system in relation to chants of a possible discriminatory nature by English fans at yesterday’s match.
“Subsequently, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against The FA.”— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) July 12, 2018
Understand investigation DOES relate to chanting of "no surrender" plus other potentially discriminatory songs.
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) July 12, 2018
England fans were filmed singing the sectarian chant at O’Malley’s Bar in Marseille at Euro 2016 and also during a friendly with Scotland in 2014.
#englandfans outside the Irish pub o'malleys in #Marseille chanting "no surrender to the IRA" Makes you so proud Not pic.twitter.com/wA37RxO4Fr
— Ben de Pear (@bendepear) June 10, 2016
The FA issued an apology after the chant was heard during the game with Scotland at Parkhead and consistently urged supporters to show respect and not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others
An FA spokesman said: “We apologise for any offence caused by a section of the England support at the match with Scotland. The FA does not condone inappropriate and offensive chanting and intends to meet with supporters’ groups to discuss the wider issues.
“We have consistently urged supporters to show respect and not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others – particularly from a religious or political perspective.
“With regard to the supporters’ band, there was contact during the match once the situation became clear. This is consistent with regular dialogue that takes place between the band and The FA.
“In also apologising, the band have given an explanation and confirmed they in no way endorse the chanting that occurred.”
