Three Lions supporters were urged not to chant songs that could be perceived as insulting, but they were again heard in Turin on Tuesday

England fans sang anti-IRA songs during the draw with Italy – despite the FA’s best efforts to stamp the chants out.

Three Lions supporters caused controversy last year when they chanted “F*** the IRA” through the 3-1 win over Scotland at Celtic Park.

The FA liaised with fan groups after the game in a bid to prevent such chants reoccurring, but they were again heard during the 1-1 draw in Turin on Tuesday.

After the win over Scotland, boss Roy Hodgson said: “I was aware the crowd were tremendously supportive. I didn’t have a clue what they were chanting.

“I don’t condone it. If anyone was offended, I’m sure the FA would like to apologise to them.

“All we can do is play our football and be grateful for the support and hopefully they will behave themselves and not get themselves into a situation where their chanting is being criticised.”

An FA spokesman did apologise and urged supporters not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others – “particularly from a religious or political perspective.
England’s next match is against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on June 7, where further chanting will increase the criticism on the travelling support.

A second-half equaliser from Andros Townsend secured a draw for Hodgson’s men in Turin after Southampton striker Graziano Pelle had opened the scoring.

It came after a much-improved second-half from England, who kept their unbeaten run alive – now stretching nine games back to the World Cup in Brazil.

Source Mirror