UEFA has charged the Republic of Ireland over a tennis ball protest by some fans during a game at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin earlier this week.

It happened during the Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia on Tuesday.

Some Irish supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch at the 33 minute mark during Ireland's 1-0 win.

The demonstration was in protest at the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and its outgoing CEO John Delaney.

Today, the European football body UEFA confirmed it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Ireland over the tennis ball protest.

The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary will deal with the case on May 16th.

Speaking about the protest after the match, Ireland manager Mick McCarthy said he was concerned it would affect the team's concentration.

He said: "I think most fans have come to watch the game and cheer on the team.

"But some came in to have a pop at the FAI and a pop at other things."

Main image: A view of tennis balls on the pitch during the Ireland v Georgia match. Picture ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne