Dems reportedly beaming with pride.

SOCHI, Russia (AP) — The head of Russia’s Communist Party held up a hammer-and-sickle Soviet banner during a flower ceremony at the Winter Olympics, leading to a confrontation with staff over violating Olympic rules that bar political statements at the games.

A series of photographs taken Friday night shows Gennady Zyuganov in a group of five men in the stands displaying the historic Soviet Banner of Victory toward the podium while medals were being awarded in three short track speedskating events at the Iceberg Skating Palace.

“It happens all the time,” International Olympic Committee spokesman Anthony Edgar said Saturday when shown the photographs. He said the IOC would look at the situation no differently than other displays that aren’t allowed, like athletes wearing arm bands to honor dead loved ones. The symbol of communism, he said, is no more or less offensive than other displays.

Sochi organizers said they considered the matter closed and planned no further investigation because the men took down the banner when asked. They declined an interview with The Associated Press.