THERE was an unsavoury start to Ireland’s clash against England in Wembley this afternoon.
Yet again both national anthems were booed by some fans at the London venue ahead of the Nations League clash.
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The teams emerged to a boisterous atmosphere before meeting the dignitaries prior to the playing of both national anthems.
And unfortunately boos rang out loudly for Amhrán na bhFiann as the packed crowd vented at the playing of the song.
Ireland fans could still be heard blasting out their anthem as boos echoed around the arena.
Boos could also be heard for the playing of ‘God Save the King’ in the North London arena but obviously not to the same tone as the visitor’s anthem.
UEFA will be expected to take further action after fines were issued to both the FAI and FA after September’s match in Dublin between the sides.
Today’s incident comes after both associations were docked thousands by UEFA after their first meeting in League B Group 2.
The FAI were fined €10,000 after thousands of home supporters booed ‘God Save The King’ before the Nations League tie against England at Aviva Stadium.
The cash-strapped association was hit with the penalty after the away side’s national anthem was met with a chorus of boos in September.
Irish officials were also hit with fines for flares being lit inside the stadium – €9,250 – and after play was interrupted by a supporter running onto the pitch – €6,000.
The English FA were also penalised for the pre-match scenes as their away supporters jeered Amhrán na bhFiann.
They were hit with a higher punishment of €12,500 as they had previously been cited for disrespecting national anthems.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side face a tough task against outgoing England after losing 2-0 in the reverse clash.