Featured Image Credit: Twitter/Alamy
Topics: England, Football, Ireland, Europa Conference League
Tom Fenton
Topics: England, Football, Ireland, Europa Conference League
A group of Shamrock Rovers fans have been slammed online after footage emerged of them celebrating the death of Queen Elizabeth II on the night it was announced she had sadly passed away.
Just hours after Buckingham Palace broke the news that many had feared was coming on Thursday night (8 September), Shamrock Rovers faced off against Swedish side Djurgardens in the Europa Conference League group stage.
At one point during the game, a section of the home supporters could be heard singing 'Lizzie's in a box' to the tune of KC and the Sunshine Band's Give It Up.
Clips of the chants were recorded and posted to Twitter not long after.
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On Friday, Shamrock Rovers released a statement condemning fans who sang along.
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The statement read: "Such highly insensitive and callous chanting is not acceptable at our club and is against the values that Shamrock Rovers F.C. stands for."
"Our ground regulations issued on match tickets and on signage at entry strictly prohibit such activity."
It continues: “Shamrock Rovers Football Club does not condone hostile abuse of individual players, spectators, or officials based on ethnic or cultural background, nationality, or religious affiliation.
"Those found to be involved in any such behaviour will face ejection from the ground and will be reported to the Gardai [police].”
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Alongside the club's official comment, many offended Twitter users made their feelings known in the replies.
On user wrote: "Disgraceful. It takes a certain type of person to celebrate the death of an elderly lady. Sick."
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A second person added: "Imagine being this excited about the death of an old lady. Pathetic."
In stark contrast, the President of Ireland was one of many world leaders to pay tribute to the Queen in the hours after her passing.
Michael D. Higgins praised her for making an historic trip to Ireland in 2011, becoming the first UK Monarch to do so since Ireland gained independence.
The President said in a statement: "During those memorable few days [of her visit], the Queen did not shy away from the shadows of the past."
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"Her moving words and gestures of respect were deeply appreciated and admired by the people of Ireland and set out a new, forward-looking relationship between our nations – one of respect, close partnership and sincere friendship."
In a mark of respect, Premier League and EFL games that were scheduled to take place this weekend have officially been postponed.