Some unionist politicians have criticised any move to change the flag representing Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games.

Speaking to BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme on Wednesday, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson said there should be no changes to the flag.

He also took issue with Mr Heatley linking it to any race hate incidents, in his interview with the Belfast News Letter.

“In Northern Ireland we have recognised over many years that sport unites people, yet here we have somebody in charge of encouraging success through sport engaging in politics in the most unhelpful way,” Robinson said.

“I don’t think this is a good initiative on his part, I don’t think it assists in sport or assists in helping to bring people together.

“There are people here who proudly showcase their talent, be it for Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games, Team GB or Team Ireland in the Olympics, and they do it without any thought whatsoever about constitutional politics.

“Here is a man in charge of sport engaging in that discussion, he should leave it to politicians.”