The Group G clash between North Korea and Colombia, which was scheduled for a 7.45pm kick-off, started over an hour late because of the protest at Hampden Park.

The mistake occurred when North Korean players were pictured alongside the South Korean flag on the big screen.

Relations between North and South Korea have been tense ever since the end of the Korean War in 1953.

Games officials were quick to apologise to members of the North Korean delegation for the error.

A statement released by London 2012 organisers 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 that 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."

When the game got underway, North Korea were 2-0 winners thanks to a Kim Song-Hui brace.