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James McClean says after-match critics "bang out of order"

The Republic of Ireland's James McClean took to social media to condemn "beyond football" criticism of the Irish players and management after Tuesday's defeat to Denmark. Pictrue by Niall Carson/PA
The Republic of Ireland's James McClean took to social media to condemn "beyond football" criticism of the Irish players and management after Tuesday's defeat to Denmark. Pictrue by Niall Carson/PA The Republic of Ireland's James McClean took to social media to condemn "beyond football" criticism of the Irish players and management after Tuesday's defeat to Denmark. Pictrue by Niall Carson/PA

REPUBLIC of Ireland player James McClean has hit out at criticism of the Irish team's performance and management in the hours after Tuesday’s humiliating defeat by Denmark.

The Republic lost 5-1 in their World Cup play-off at the Aviva Stadium.

In an interview with RTÉ after the final whistle, the Republic winger struggled to control his emotions.

In an angry response on Instagram yesterday, McClean said the critics were “bang out of order” and accused them of 'kicking' players and staff when they were down.

“Last night is going to hurt deep for a long time, nothing can change or make what happened last night right, of course everyone is entitled to voice their opinion because it was simply not good enough from us on the night, we know that ourselves but to stick the boot in and kick players and staff when they are down (players and staff [who] have been great servants to this country...that have qualified for a major tournament and was unlucky to be knocked out to a great team in the last 16, players and staff that was one game from making it to a world cup, players and staff that would give anything for this great country!) with some over the top beyond football comments is bang out of order," he posted.

Manager Martin O'Neill also cut short a post-match interview with RTÉ's Tony O'Donoghue after being frustrated with questions over his tactics and the team's latest failure to hold on to an early lead.

Sinn Féin meanwhile has said there should be an all-Ireland football team in light of the Republic’s and Northern Ireland’s departure from the World Cup.

Dail TD Imelda Munster said one team, as in other sports such as rugby, boxing and hockey, would be stronger.

Her comments were supported on social media by former Stormont minister Carál Ní Chúilíin.