Russian expatriates in Ireland held a rally in celebration of Victory Day also featured pro-Ukrainian invasion symbols.
The 78th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany drew up to 1,000 people to Naas Racecourse in Co Kildare on Sunday.
The celebration of Victory Day has long been a priority for exiles from the former Soviet Union who now reside in Ireland, with participants coming from all 15 former Soviet republics.
The event, however, is now heavily dominated by Russians, according to other nationals, who think Putin regime supporters are to blame.
Although other nationals say the event is now dominated by Russians - who claimed it's been taken over by supporters of President Vladimir Putin's regime.
A woman wearing a T-shirt with the letter "Z" on it, a symbol of support for the war, can be seen in footage from the incident that has surfaced online.
Numerous vehicles in the convoy that arrived at the racetrack were decorated with Russian flags, including the black and orange St. George's ribbon, which Ukrainians also associate with support for the war.
Eamonn McEvoy, general manager of Naas Racecourse, apologised and said he understood why people were offended by the Russian flags that were on display.
He claimed that community organisations can access the course, and he approved the Eastern European Community Family Day taking place on Sunday.
“There were about 400 to 500 people in attendance, many of them families,” McEvoy said.
"I attended personally throughout the day, spoke to those who had gathered and am very satisfied that those in attendance came from a range of countries throughout the former Soviet bloc and were there to commemorate the end of World War 2 – many with photos of their family members who had served in the war.
“However while there were flags of many nations on display, as well as historical flags from the WW2 era, there was an unexpected number of Russian flags on display. Notwithstanding that Russian flags are not ‘banned’ in Ireland (or sanctioned in any way) I fully understand the negative reaction of a number of people given the invasion and continuing war in Ukraine.
“Naas Racecourse was inadvertently drawn into highly sensitive geopolitical events and for that I would like to apologise to anyone who was offended by it.”
READ NEXT:
Brentford target Caoimhin Kelleher in Liverpool transfer swoop
Everton fans pay tribute to Seamus Coleman during 5-1 win over Brighton
Jason Knight looks set to depart Derby County following League One disappointment
Star mare Princess Zoe removed from Tony Mullins' yard after disagreement between trainer and owner
Leinster leaving heartbreak behind to focus on Aviva glory, says Caelan Doris
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
