Ahern calls for nation to get behind soccer team

The Taoiseach has asked the nation to get behind the Irish soccer team in the wake of the Roy Keane debacle.

"The Keane saga is over and the message to be sent out to Japan is that the country is behind the team," Mr Ahern said in Dublin Airport, as the remaining contingent of fans jetted off to Japan.

"It is important that the concentration turns to football."

Asked about the FAI's handling of the crisis, Mr Ahern said there was "no doubt there will be post mortems after the tournament, but for now the team needs 100 per cent support."