The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

(Image: GETTY)

The two teams could meet in the quarter finals of this year’s tournament.

And that draw could spell trouble as the blood-stained history between the two nations goes beyond football rivalry.

The legacy of the “Troubles” is still painfully prominent – with killings, bomb scares and bloodshed still common in Northern Ireland.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

But there’s always been a special, albeit, sinister rivalry with the Republic – as the country’s split down the middle between those who want to remain in the UK and those who want to live in a united Ireland.

And now with Euro 2016 just weeks away, football is on the tip of everyone’s tongue.

Facebook groups are already becoming a battleground for rival supporters to challenge each other.

One Northern Ireland fan wrote: "Do one bog trotters.

"Horrible wee inbred c****."

Another added: "Your poaching can’t even beat Belarus."

While the Irish are hitting back boasting comments about star striker Shane Long and fiery assistant manager Roy Keane.

It wouldn’t be the first time violence has got in the way of matters on the pitch between the two teams.

In 1993, the teams met in Belfast in a match that worried authorities so much, there was talk of moving it to Old Trafford, Wembley or even Italy.

The mood wasn't improved the day before the match when Billy Bingham, Northern Ireland’s manager, laid into the Republic's "mercenaries".

"They couldn't find a way of making it with England or Scotland," he said of players like Andy Townsend, Ray Houghton and John Aldridge.

"I take a totally cynical view of the whole business. I am not prepared to skirt the issue, the same as I am happy to state it is our intention to stuff the Republic."

Atmosphere in the stands were so toxic that Republic midfielder Alan McLoughlin conceded "the safest place to be was on the pitch".

Luckily violence was prevented by the heavy “ring of steel” in place on the night but the hostility and intense rivalry was there for all to see.

So much so, that Northern Ireland are sending a policing delegation to France.

Supt Nigel Goddard told Daily Star Online: “Officers will travel to assist and liaise with French authorities to help ensure a safe and trouble-free tournament.

"We will work with the French police commanders to monitor fan behaviour in the cities, fan zones, on transport and at the stadiums.

"My colleagues and I will be there to provide a reassuring presence at each of the venue cities and will be identifiable as officers to Northern Irish fans."

But it’s not just the Irish who could be mixed up in hooliganism.

Daily Star Online has already exclusively revealed how Russian football hooligans are planning to “absolutely obliterate” England fans.

And the banter’s been flowing from the Welsh too – plotting to spoil the England party in France.

But more worrying still, Slovakian thugs have promised to “finish” Three Lions supporters after their final group game.

Northern Ireland could play the Republic of Ireland in the quarter finals if they top Group C and the Republic top Group E.