Health Minister Simon Harris has critcised football fans who booed the British national anthem in Dublin last night.
'God Save The Queen' was played at the Aviva before an international friendly between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
However, a number of fans were heard booing during the playing of the British national anthem.
Mr Harris said: "I think it's embarrassing and idiotic - I think it's highly regrettable.
"The Tánaiste was there at the game last night, the DUP leader Arlene Foster was there.
"This is meant to be a country of Cead Míle Fáilte - a hundred thousand welcomes - sport is meant to be a unifying event".
DUP leader Arlene Foster shakes hands with Tánaiste Simon Coveney as they attend the international soccer friendly between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium | Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images
Alluding to the recent draft Brexit deal, he said: "After what has been... a very intense week in terms of discussions and political dissuasions about north, south, east, west relationships - I think everyone was hoping for 90 minutes of a reprieve from that last night.
"It was a minority, albeit a loud minority.
"But they were quite frankly idiots and it shouldn't have happened".
Tánaiste Simon Coveney, who attended the match, tweeted: "A small number of idiots booed the National Anthem of Northern Ireland tonight at Aviva.
"Competitive friendly, but Northern Ireland were our guests tonight in Dublin".
Embarrassed that a small number of idiots booed the National Anthem of @NorthernIreland tonight at Aviva. Competitive friendly, but Northern Ireland were our guests tonight in Dublin! @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/j1jbsQSGH6
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) November 15, 2018
While DUP leader Arlene Foster added: "Thank you Simon. Otherwise, it was a lovely evening".
Thank you Simon. Otherwise, it was a lovely evening. . . NI almost clinched it too! #GAWA ?? https://t.co/98aWziticN
— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) November 15, 2018
