The Mayor of Paris has announced she will award the Medal of the City of Paris to Republic of Ireland football fans for their sportsmanship.

According to the French sports newspaper L'Équipe, Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the supporters had been "exemplary in their sportsmanship" and distinguished themselves by the "atmosphere" they created from the start of Euro 2016.

She has written to President Michael D Higgins to tell him of the award.

It is not known when the medal ceremony the medal will take place.

The Republic of Ireland was beaten 2-1 by France in the last 16 of the tournament last Sunday.

🇮🇪Les supporteurs irlandais ont été exceptionnels durant l'Euro. Heureuse de leur décerner la Médaille de la Ville : https://t.co/iLaaJDYgeW — Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) June 29, 2016

The 'Grand Vermeil' is regarded as Paris's most prestigious honour.

It has been awarded to a wide variety of cultural and political figures.

Previous recipients include Nobel Prize in literature winner Toni Morrison, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.