West Ham will take no action against Declan Rice following his apology for a social media post which appeared to support the IRA.
Rice could make his England debut against the Czech Republic tonight after deciding to switch allegiance from Ireland — but that was overshadowed by the emergence yesterday of an Instagram message from 2015, which read “#UPTHERA”.
The 20-year-old midfielder said sorry for the “poorly-expressed comment” and for “any offence caused”, while the FA will write to him “to remind him of his responsibilities”.
It is understood, however, that West Ham, who educate all players on social media, consider the matter closed.
Rice won three senior caps — all in friendly internationals — for Ireland before deciding earlier this year to switch to England. He was born in Kingston, Surrey, but has grandparents who were born in Cork.
In Pictures | England training on 21.03.19
Playing in a holding midfield role, Rice has been one of the best young players in the Premier League this season and is tipped to have a long international career.
