England fans sang anti-IRA songs during Tuesday’s friendly in Italy despite efforts from the Football Association to stamp the chants out in the wake of last year’s match in Scotland.

England fans caused controversy last November when they chanted “Fuck the IRA” during the 3-1 victory at Celtic Park.

Even though the FA liaised with fan groups after the Scotland game to try to prevent such chants happening again, they were heard during England’s 1-1 draw at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Tuesday.

Any repeat during England’s next match against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on June 7 would lead to yet more criticism.

After the win in Scotland, the FA made it clear it was unhappy about the chants.

As FA spokesman said following the match in Glasgow: “We apologise for any offence caused by a section of the England support at the match with Scotland. The FA does not condone inappropriate and offensive chanting and intends to meet with supporters’ groups to discuss the wider issues.”