Ireland captain Katie McCabe says the squad will discuss whether to hold a protest during Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Sweden, to show their support for players affected by the abuse allegations that have shaken women’s games in recent weeks.

McCabe was part of the Arsenal team that worked with Everton players around the center circle to show solidarity during a WSL game recently and the Irish captain thought it had an impact when it was broadcast on live television and raised awareness of the issues that have come up. to light in recent weeks.

Manager Vera Pauw confirmed that the squad and management would discuss the allegations of abuse, but she waited until all players arrived at the team base at Castleknock Hotel.

McCabe admitted it will be “pretty raw” for the squad as two of the players, Denise O’Sullivan and Diane Caldwell, are at the North Carolina Courage, where head coach Paul Riley was fired after allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies.

“Ever since the accusations came out, I think they have shocked the world,” McCabe said.

“It’s really awful to see, but I think what’s most admirable now is the solidarity shown in the women’s game, with players and staff and organizations.

‘Since it came out we were originally at the club and the support Arsenal have shown us has been fantastic. Since I came in [to the Ireland camp] the support has been within our organization here as well.

‘It’s pretty raw considering we have two current players who have been trained under the accused, so it’s obviously one to be careful with because of how raw things still are, but one we have to do the right thing.

‘We will touch on it as a collective.’

After the allegations, which were first revealed on The Athletic website, players in the American women’s league began to protest and were followed by teams in the WSL, where McCabe’s Arsenal, Everton, Chelsea, Leicester and Brighton were among the teams that paused their game to form a circle around the center circle. in the sixth minute of the match.

McCabe says that a similar protest is not yet planned for the match against Sweden.

“There is nothing we have not talked about. In WSL, we take the knee when it comes to anti-racism. Once again, it will be a conversation we will have. We have not talked to Sweden about it.

“We have not decided whether we will do it or not, but you saw the pictures that went around that weekend. We did it ourselves with Everton and on a stage like Sky Sports it shows awareness and people ask questions, “why are they doing this?” ‘