London Olympics 2012: Hampden not to blame for flag gaffe, but Glasgow’s reputation ‘could suffer’

BRITAIN’s sporting and political figures have sought to defuse the diplomatic row over the gaffe that saw North Korea’s women’s football team threaten to boycott their match in Glasgow after organisers wrongly displayed the flag of their bitter enemies, South Korea.

The error, which made headlines the world over, was described by Prime Minister David Cameron as an “honest mistake” that should not be “overinflated” by people.

However, the fallout continued to be felt yesterday, with North Korea’s delegate on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) warning that his “people are angry”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the controversial incident at Wednesday evening’s game between North Korea and Colombia at Hampden, the Asian team refused to take to the field after South Korea’s flag appeared on the stadium’s screens.

After a delay of more than an hour, during which time Olympic officials sought to pacify the North Korean contingent, the team decided to play, eventually winning 2-0.

By then, however, the damage had been done to both the reputation of London 2012 organisers, as well as Glasgow. One sports marketing expert said the fact the incident occurred in Scotland’s biggest city could have “very damaging” repercussions for Glasgow when it hosts the Commonwealth Games in two years.

Nigel Currie, director of Brand Rapport, said: “Perception is the key in something like this, and perception is that it was Glasgow’s fault. That’s the trouble.”

Despite widespread speculation on social networking sites over where blame lay for the gaffe, it emerged yesterday that a video production company working for the Games organisers had been at fault. Organising committee Locog was unable to identify those responsible, but it is understood a producer at the unnamed firm offered to resign in the wake of the scandal.

Chang Ung, North Korea’s representative on the IOC, urged those behind London 2012 to ensure the mistake was not repeated, and made clear there was ill-feeling in Pyongyang over the blunder.

He said: “Of course the people are angry. If your athlete got a gold medal and put the flag probably of some other country, what happens?”

Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, said there had been no “political connotation” behind the “most unfortunate incident” at Hampden.

British Olympic Association chairman Colin Moynihan, agreed the incident had been unfortunate but said it was time to move on.

MARTYN MCLAUGHLIN