Eileen Gleeson: Republic of Ireland boss refuses to discuss future after Euro 2025 play-off defeat

Gleeson, pointedly, did not congratulate Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson after the final whistle and at the later post-match news conference accused the Welsh bench of “a lot of provocation”.

“There were reactions to that as well. It was a team challenge to manage across the night,” said Gleeson, whose captain Katie McCabe was on the receiving end of several robust challenges which eventually provoked a response that led to the Arsenal star being handed a yellow card.

“A lot of shouting at players, aggressive language to our staff.”

Republic of Ireland goalkeeping coach Emma Byrne was also yellow carded during the game.

The Wales manager said that she had attempted to speak to Gleeson at full-time but the Ireland manager retorted: “I didn’t see Rhian. She didn’t come near me, I didn’t go near her, I was with my team.”

For her part, Wilkinson shrugged off Gleeson’s remarks.

“There’s always some words occasionally. A team has to win and a team had to lose and there’s high emotions but I also think that’s football,” said the Wales boss.