A country's flag is serious business. You don't necessarily have to be a patriot to agree. Even if you're not the type to salute it, it's still the most recognisable representation and symbol of a country. So when it comes to a major international event and showcase, like the Olympics, you're probably going to want to ensure that all of your flags are correct. Anything else would be rather embarrassing right? Well, unfortunately for China, and perhaps more unfortunately for the Olympic Committee in Rio, the Chinese flags currently being used are incorrect.

Mistaken Branding Designs

The Chinese flag features four smaller gold stars angled towards a larger one in the top left corner. Unfortunately, for the past few days, and for all of China's gold medal ceremonies, the flag that's been used has been incorrect, with the four small stars parallel rather than angled. A minor problem, but not one you want to suffer when you're one of the biggest countries in the Games, likely to win a significant number of overall medals, and have a proud and patriotic people. Needless to say, they're pretty displeased.

The Chinese Consulate General has already lodged a complaint, Chinese Social Media already has fans making accusations of a "plot" and calling the games "the worst ever" and Chinese Central Television has rather stridently declared "no mistakes allowed!"

Rather amusingly, both sides are blaming each other. The flags were originally said to come from China, only for Chinese authorities to say that they were made offshore. The Chinese Olympic team have declared that Brazilian authorities were responsible, but the Olympic Committee has said that the Chinese Team approved of the designs. I guess they should check and see who signed off on the art proof.

Originally seen on: http://www.news.com.au/sport/olympics/team-sports/wrong-version-of-chinese-flag-used-at-rio-2016-olympics/news-story/0d5ecaf157d96058fb477d310f2d1593