Ireland fans demand investigation as cheating row erupts following Czechia World Cup play-off defeat

The hosts mounted a determined fightback, however, with striker Patrik Schick and newly appointed skipper Ladislav Krejci both finding the net to level proceedings and send the match into extra time.

With neither side able to break the deadlock during the additional period, a penalty shootout was required to determine which nation would progress.

It was during this decisive shootout that controversy erupted.

Czech fans allegedly employed tactics to unsettle the visiting penalty takers, with a piercing siren reportedly sounding from the stands each time an Irish player stepped up to the spot.

Crucially, supporters claimed the noise ceased whenever Czech players prepared to take their kicks.

The disruption appeared to have a tangible effect on Ireland's efforts from 12 yards.

Midfielder Alan Browne saw his attempt kept out by goalkeeper Matej Kovar, who was seeking redemption after conceding an own goal earlier in the contest.

Finn Azaz suffered the same fate, with Kovar again diving the correct way to deny the Irish midfielder.

Furious Irish supporters took to social media to voice their outrage and demand accountability from European football's governing body.

"Uefa should also look into who was playing the siren when Ireland were taking penalties, that was a disgrace," one fan wrote.

Another stated: "There has to be an investigation into that penalty shootout, the Czechs playing a loud siren every time the Irish took their pen is disgraceful."

A third said: “How was there a siren going off in the stadium as Ireland took their penos. Switched off when the Czechs did.”

The Czech Republic converted all but one of their spot kicks, with Mojmír Chytil the only player to miss, securing their place in the final playoff round against Denmark.

For Ireland, the agonising search for a first World Cup appearance since 2002 continues.

Ireland boss Hallgrímsson reacted to the defeat by saying: “One word, just pain. I feel pain, I feel pride for the performance of the players. They gave it all. I feel gratitude towards the supporters who showed up and supported us the whole game, even after the loss.

“I feel pride being a part of that group, but personally – and I know the players will feel pain now, only pain, I would say.”

He added: “First of all, we take that with us, that we can play teams higher than us in the FIFA ranking, punch above our weight whether it’s Portugal, Hungary or here, and compete with these teams.

“We came here with three wins in a row – it’s a long time since that happened for this national team, so I think there’s growth in the squad, I think it’s maturing.

“These have been the biggest games most of these players have played, so that’s encouraging, to know that we are growing.”