Former Irish soccer star Ray Houghton was last night given a vote of confidence by RTÉ despite his controversial appearance on ITV's Fantasy Football show on Sunday night.
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa star's involvement in the satirical sketch has been criticised by Irish interest groups in the UK and by fans for stereotyping Irish people as leprechauns and terrorists.
Houghton is a regular panellist and commentator for RTÉ Sport and is currently working for the national broadcaster during Euro 2004 in Portugal.
The ITV show, which is presented by comic duo Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, re-created Houghton's famous goal against England during the 1988 European Championships in Stuttgart.
When Houghton, who was born in Scotland, was asked if he considered himself to be "really Irish", he was shown dressed up as a leprechaun, a potato and as a Jean Butler lookalike.
However, most complaints arose when Houghton was seen standing beside what appeared to be a paramilitary gunman dressed in a khaki army jacket and a balaclava.
The Irish soccer hero, best remembered for his goals against England and against Italy in the 1994 World Cup, was also shown standing beside Baddiel when the comic impersonated Shane McGowan clutching a bottle of whiskey.
An RTÉ spokesman told The Irish Times: "There is no question over Ray's position in relation to his appearance on the ITV show. I'm not sure how many here saw the sketch, but Ray will be fulfilling his Euro 2004 duties as planned."
The British television watchdog, Ofcom, confirmed yesterday that numerous complaints had been made to it about the sketch and that it was investigating the matter.
However, as of last night ITV said it had not been contacted by Ofcom in relation to the sketch, and would act only if and when such contact was made.
Ms Eithne Rynne, of the London-based Federation of Irish Societies, said: "Sketches such as these set the Irish community in Britain back. It is disgraceful the way Irish people are lumped in stereotypes like leprechauns, Riverdance and a gunman. It is disappointing, particularly in this day and age, that Irish people still experience such portrayal."
Houghton, who made 73 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, last night refused to comment about the controversial sketch, which was broadcast last Sunday night.