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Ireland Boss' Future Reportedly Under Threat Over 'Anti-English' Video

Ireland Boss' Future Reportedly Under Threat Over 'Anti-English' Video

The Republic of Ireland Football Association have reportedly opened an investigation following the manager's pre-match inspiration tactics.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny is reportedly under threat of losing his job, after the country's Football Association started an investigation into a video showed ahead of the England game.

Kenny hasn't had a good start to life as Ireland boss since taking over from Mick McCarthy earlier this year, failing to win any of their eight games and losing in the Euro 2020 qualifier on penalties to Slovakia.

Last week his side took on England in a friendly at Wembley and lost 3-0 to their near neighbours, managing just four shots in the game.

However it's not the side's limp performances that could see the former assistant manager lose his job, with the Irish FA reportedly investigating the side's pre-match preparation, according to the Daily Mail.

The paper reports that members of the squad were left shocked after Kenny showed them an 'anti-English' video ahead of the game, that illustrated the 'history of Anglo-Irish relations,' as he tried to give his side some extra motivation.

Sancho makes it 2-0 to England. Image: PA Images
Sancho makes it 2-0 to England. Image: PA Images

Whilst the rivalry has been used in the past by managers to help motivate players, as similar relations are no doubt used when Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland come up against the Three Lions, the video was said to be 'close to the line'.

It is alleged the video may have 'overstepped' the line when it comes to political correctness and missed the tone of the current side, especially with certain players within the squad having English roots.

In a statement to the Mail, the FAI said, "The Football Association of Ireland is aware of issues surrounding content shared with our senior men's team ahead of the recent friendly against England at Wembley Stadium.

"The FAI is already looking into this matter internally as a matter of urgency to establish the facts. The FAI has no further comment to make at this time."

Slovakia players celebrate penalty win whilst Ireland players look distraught. Image: PA Images
Slovakia players celebrate penalty win whilst Ireland players look distraught. Image: PA Images

The motivational technique didn't work at all, with Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho scoring first-half goals, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin made it 3-0 from the spot, as Southgate's side dominated.

Ireland have drawn with Bulgaria, twice, and Wales, once, as well as the Slovakia game which ended in penalties, and lost to Finland, twice, as well as England and Wales, once each, under Kenny.

They failed to make the Euros, after McCarthy got them to the play-offs, and they just avoided relegation by one point to Bulgaria in the Nations League.

It remains to be seen if the video, and potentially his side's form, leads to a short spell for Kenny.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics:Β Ireland, Football News, International Football, England, Republic Of Ireland