Featherweight world champion Conor McGregor posted a photo of a person holding what is being reported as likely a replica or toy gun in a seemingly parked car on Instagram early Thursday morning, and he may be facing issues in Ireland as a result.  In the photo, two people are in the car, with one wearing a ski mask which covers most of the face and holding what looks like a black firearm out of the window towards the camera. It's not clear whether either of the people is McGregor.  A UFC official told FOX Sports that the promotion is aware of the posted photos and that they have been in contact with Conor McGregor's manager, Audie Attar.  Ireland has some of the most stringent firearm laws in the world. Several European media outlets are reporting that it is believed what the person in the photo is holding is a replica or airsoft gun -- McGregor was recently seen shooting such a gun in a video -- but even that could create a problem for him.  Imitation airsoft guns with a muzzle energy of under one joule (a unit of energy) are not classified as firearms under Irish law and do not require owners to have a firearms certificate, according to Ireland's Department of Justice.  However, the DOJ website does say that recent legislation does make it a crime to possess a "realistic imitation firearm in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse." In the posed photo, the car is in what appears to be an outdoor driveway, with houses nearby, but no other people within frame other than the two men inside.  The Irish Independent reports that a spokesman for the Gardai, Ireland's national police force, confirmed that they are currently investigating.  "We are investigating the circumstances under which the photo was taken. Gardai from Crumlin are investigating."  The Gardai have not yet responded to calls and an email from FOX Sports seeking comment.  We will keep you posted with developments in this story as they happen.
The UFC featherweight champion could be in trouble with police after posting a controversial photo on Instagram early Thursday morning.