FA circulate email warning fans not to chant anti-IRA songs

The English FA will send out an email to 3,000 of their travelling fans ahead of the friendly against Ireland next month - warning them not to indulge in any anti-IRA chants.

The email is warning fans that they will face individual action, and the football association will itself receive sanctions from Fifa, if the customary right-wing chant of “f--- the IRA”does ring out in the Aviva stadium on June 7th.

England's visit will be the first to these shores since the infamous friendly in Lansdowne Road ten years ago, which was marred by dangerous riots.

According to The Telegraph a memo has been circulated within the FA detailing its plans for Dublin.

Stated within such is reference to “a distinct deterioration in England fan behaviour” recently, already this season 18 members of the England Supporters Travel Club have been suspended and another 46 “officially warned” about “inappropriate behaviour”.

It’s also believed that travelling fans in Dublin will be given a freephone number, and dedicated email address in which they can report any incidents.

The FA also claim they have been in contact with the England band.

Fifa have already written to the association warning them of a possible fine, following the chant being voiced extensively during the recently friendly in Turin.

The memo reportedly also refers to an “organised 100 per cent collection” of members’ tickets in Dublin;

“The authorities are ensuring there is a ‘passport surrender’ for this game and/or fans with banning orders are made to report to English police stations at kick-off time.’’