Ireland boss facing FAI probe over claims anti-English video was shown to players before friendly defeat

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND boss Stephen Kenny faces a probe over claims he played an anti-English video to his stars before last week’s friendly.

A number of Ireland’s players were understood to have been shocked by footage which was supposed to be used for motivation ahead of England’s 3-0 win.

The video is believed to have shown ‘political’ moments in the nations’ history, plus footage of the 1995 friendly against England in Dublin which was abandoned because of rioting Three Lions fans.

There was a reference to the 1916 Easter Rising and the Proclamation of Independence.

It is believed that a senior official who saw the video viewed it as inappropriate and reported their concerns to the board.

The Irish board have now asked Kenny to give his account.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “The FA of Ireland is aware of issues surrounding content shared with our senior men’s team ahead of the friendly against England at Wembley.

"The FAI is already looking into this internally as a matter of urgency, in order to establish the facts.

"The FAI has no further comment to make at this time."

Ireland were second best at Wembley, as goals from Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Dominic Calvert-Lewin secured a comfortable win for Gareth Southgate's side.

Kenny is still searching for his first win as Ireland boss, despite being in the job for eight games.

Ireland avoided relegation from Nations League B on Wednesday after drawing 0-0 to Bulgaria in Dublin.

The result means that they have now went seven games without scoring a goal.