The accusations and condemnations weren’t confined to the woman distributing medals, however. Ireland, we were told, was also a place where people “get away with racism”, and one tweet claimed: “I have lived here since 2002 and have experienced racism every day in this rainy, tiny country. They are the same everywhere.”

A statement had been issued explaining that the young girl had not been intentionally left out – and that “upon realising the mistake they immediately rectified it and ensured that the competitor concerned was presented with her medal before she left the field of play”.

But there was only one explanation for what was seen in the video according to Safa.

[Of course there was only one explanation …to suit a demagogue. As Niamh reports, this is not at all uncommon in sports, especially these days with the proliferation of participation awards in sports. True story: In high school, I unexpectedly got invited to an honors show for athletes who were to receive letters and trophies for their work that year. I had only done passably well as a sophomore wrestler that year and was surprised to be included. My parents and I were excited to attend, and … they never called my name. We sat through the whole thing and I was crushed. I caught up with my coach and asked what happened, and he was utterly mortified — I was supposed to receive a letter, and they just overlooked my name that night. He could not apologize enough to me, and made sure I got my letter properly. I still own the jacket, hanging in my closet to this day. These things happen. — Ed]