The Football Association of Ireland has avoided being sanctioned by European football's governing body over the misbehaviour of Irish fans who incessantly booed a Glasgow Rangers player at a recent international game in Dublin.
UEFA started its investigation following a formal complaint about the incessant booing of Shota Arveladze by a large section of supporters because of his links to the traditionally Protestant Scottish club.
Arveladze was playing for his national team Georgia against Ireland when the heckling occurred during last June's European Championship qualifying game in Lansdowne Road.
UEFA has the power to impose fines on football associations in such circumstances or even order that matches be played behind closed doors.
However, the FAI's chief executive, Mr Fran Rooney, said yesterday that UEFA has decided to take no disciplinary action following the investigation by its control and disciplinary body.
In its submission to the investigative body, the FAI pointed out that Mr Rooney had swiftly criticised the behaviour and had telephoned Arveladze the day after the match to apologise.
Mr Rooney said yesterday the investigation had been a very serious issue for the association. "The last match was the worst we have ever seen and if it persists we are going to be in serious trouble [with UEFA\]," he said.
Mr Rooney urged fans to "shame the people who don't behave. Out-cheer the boo boys is the message."
He said: "The reputation of Irish fans is second to none. We have the best fans in the world but this is tarnishing that image and the fans don't want that. It's a test for us all as football fans that we eliminate this and we have all got to work together on it."
The Republic's team is due next week to play Australia in a friendly match in Lansdowne Road. Australia has two Glasgow Rangers players on its squad, Kevin Muskat and Craig Moore.
Mr Rooney said match stewards were being trained to handle any fans who boo players. They would be asked to stop and if they did not, appropriate action would be taken, including asking fans to leave the stadium.