‘We stuffed up’: Games boss accepts blame for closing ceremony flop

The boss of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games says he will apologise in person to Australian flag-bearer Kurt Fearnley over last night’s closing ceremony blunder.

TV viewers did not get to see Fearnley nor the rest of the Australian team enter the Gold Coast stadium, prompting widespread outraged including from Channel Seven commentators Jo Griggs and Basil Zempilas  — click HERE for more of their scathing on-air review.

Peter Beattie, speaking with Tony Jones on 3AW, said he will offer an apology today.

“He’s a great Australian, and I just feel so disappointed for him that only the people in the stadium say him carry flag,” he said.

“We wanted to share that with all Australians.”

He wouldn’t reveal who was responsible for the stuff-up, instead saying it was ultimately his fault.

“We have a team who puts these things together, but at the end of the day the buck stops with the chairman,” he said.

“We were focused on delivering the Games, then Games have been absolutely fantastic.”

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Fearnley tweeted in response to the furore this morning, pleading with fans to not let the blunder distract from a successful event.

“Please remember that @GC2018 has been the most inclusive event that our nation has ever hosted,” he said.

“We can’t let anything distract from that. We did something special on the Gold Coast & it was one of the best weeks of my life. The team, crowds, staff & volunteers nailed it. #kudos”

Please remember that @GC2018 has been the most inclusive event that our nation has ever hosted. We can’t let anything distract from that. We did something special on the Gold Coast & it was one of the best weeks of my life. The team, crowds, staff & volunteers nailed it. #kudos

— Kurt Fearnley (@kurtfearnley) April 16, 2018