IRELAND MANAGER MARTIN O’Neill and winger James McClean have escaped punishment over their comments in the wake of last month’s 1-1 draw with Austria.

Speaking on RTÉ after the final whistle, McClean labelled Spanish referee David Fernández Borbalán the “12th man”, while his fellow Derry man O’Neill expressed his frustration at the decision to rule out Shane Duffy’s disallowed goal.

Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against the pair, but it has opted against handing out suspensions or fines — instead issuing a reprimand.

The Football Association of Ireland has accepted Fifa’s decision to issue a reprimand to both Martin O’Neill and James McClean following disciplinary proceedings,” reads an FAI statement released this morning.

“Fifa launched their inquiry following comments made by Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and midfielder James McClean in the aftermath of the 1-1 draw with Austria in the 2018 Fifa World Cup Qualifier on June 11.

“The ruling by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee came following a breach of Article 57 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code and Article 4 of the Regulations of the 2018 Fifa World Cup for ‘unsporting behaviour’.

“There will be no further comment made on the matter.”

Ireland, who are second in Group D and level on points with leaders Serbia with four World Cup qualifiers remaining, face a double-header against Georgia and Serbia in September.

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