Irish international cricketer John Mooney faces disciplinary action over his tweet saying that the hoped Margaret Thatcher’s death was “slow and painful.”

He later removed the tweet after a major controversy erupted.

He stated, "I would like to apologise to anyone that I upset with my tweets yesterday regarding the death of Margaret Thatcher.

"I realise now that they were offensive to many and have deleted them. I'd like to assure my family, friends, employers and teammates that I have learned a very valuable lesson and in future will stick to focusing on my game!"

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom said disciplinary action may still occur.

"I think we need to look at it. Irrespective of the fact that John has apologised it doesn't remove the fact that there will be a significant number of people who have been offended by his comments and it doesn't mean that because he has apologised no further action will be taken," said Deutrom.

"There is a specific clause within all of our player contracts referring to conduct by players, referring to public comment by players, whether it be on websites or their own Twitter accounts, social media and their responsibilities.

"Irrespective of whether they are operating as an individual, on the field of play or wearing a Cricket Ireland top or a Cricket Ireland blazer or they are acting in their own individual capacities, they at all times have to act as ambassadors for Irish cricket, for their team-mates, for themselves and for their country."