The official opening of the redeveloped Windsor Park was held on Saturday evening before Northern Ireland's game with San Marino. To mark the occasion, a number of Northern Irish 'legends' and Eamon Holmes did a lap of the pitch before the game.
The names included sports stars such as Paddy Jackson, Carl Frampton and Dennis Taylor. One of those not invited was five-time Paralympic gold medalist Jason Smyth. The 29-year-old sprinter is from Derry.
Smyth tweeted on Saturday evening suggesting that had not been invited because he has chosen to represent Ireland.
Two other Paralympians, Bethany Firth and Kelly Gallagher - both of whom represent Great Britain - were in attendance.
Jason Smyth Windsor Park snub
Speaking to the Irish News, Smyth said that the only difference between him and Firth and Gallagher is that he represents Ireland.
For me, it shouldn't ever be about what colours you wear or what flag you compete under.
I never put myself on either side of the fence. I'm not Protestant, I'm not a Catholic.
Obviously people will look at it and say there were lots of other sports stars that weren't there.
But when you look at Paralympians, the girls deserve to be there for what they've achieved but there's only one thing that separates them from myself and Michael (McKillop).
Smyth's fellow Irish Paralympian Michael McKillop, speaking to the BBC, also expressed disappointment about not being invited.
It's really unfortunate. It's very disappointing on my part because I represent the island of Ireland and I always state that when ever I compete.
I would have loved to have attended. I'm a massive sports fan and I've been to many Northern Ireland matches in the past.
You could say it's coming down to politics and who you compete for and that's really unfortunate because I've always represented the island. Politics should never come into sport. It's a sad scenario people have found themselves in.
The IFA thought they had sent an invitation to McKillop through his agent but later learned it had not been issued. The 26-year-old from Ballymena was told that he could attend but by that time he had made other arrangements.
A spokesperson for the IFA said on Sunday that no offence had been intended towards Smyth.
The idea of the Lap of Legends was to bring some famous fans from the world of sport, TV and music together in one place along with other supporters and the football family to celebrate the opening of the new National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
There was a short 20-minute window in which to stage the event, so we were limited in terms of the number of people that we could invite.
We did not intend to cause any offence to Jason or anyone else that was not part of the pre-match event.
The Irish FA would be delighted to welcome Jason to Windsor Park in the future.
According to the BBC, neither Paddy Barnes or Michael Conlan - both from Belfast - received invitations but they would have been receptive to attending.
Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile
