North Korean women walk off pitch in row over flag mix up
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The Olympic women's football match between North Korea and Colombia was delayed for more than an hour on Wednesday because the South Korean flag was mistakenly displayed on the big screen.
The flag blunder began during player introductions when when the big screens around the ground showed the North Korean players next to a South Korean flag.
The two countries are not renowned as being the most friendly of neighbours.
This rather massive gaffe clearly didn't go down too well with the North Koreans, who promptly walked off the pitch in protest before the kick-off.
However, Kim Jung-Un's ladies were persuaded to return when the sides were announced again with each player's face displayed next to the correct flag.
The London Games organizers took the blame and they apologised for the error.
A statement from Games organisers Locog said: "Today, ahead of the women's football match at Hampden Park, the South Korean flag was shown on a big screen video package instead of the North Korean flag.
"Clearly this is a mistake. We will apologise to the team and the National Olympic Committee and steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again."
It marked a controversial start to Olympic competition for London before Friday's opening ceremony officially kicks off the 2012 Games.
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| Olympic organizers mistakenly display South Korea flag instead of North Korea's Photo: @jamescrossan |
The flag blunder began during player introductions when when the big screens around the ground showed the North Korean players next to a South Korean flag.
The two countries are not renowned as being the most friendly of neighbours.
This rather massive gaffe clearly didn't go down too well with the North Koreans, who promptly walked off the pitch in protest before the kick-off.
However, Kim Jung-Un's ladies were persuaded to return when the sides were announced again with each player's face displayed next to the correct flag.
The London Games organizers took the blame and they apologised for the error.
A statement from Games organisers Locog said: "Today, ahead of the women's football match at Hampden Park, the South Korean flag was shown on a big screen video package instead of the North Korean flag.
"Clearly this is a mistake. We will apologise to the team and the National Olympic Committee and steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again."
It marked a controversial start to Olympic competition for London before Friday's opening ceremony officially kicks off the 2012 Games.
Also see:
