The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games ending without the athletes at the forefront was a "complete stuff up", committee chairman Peter Beattie admitted to Sunrise on Monday.

The closing ceremony was labelled as underwhelming, with fans and Seven Network commentators slamming organisers for not providing vision of athletes entering Carrara Stadium.

"We got it wrong. I can't be more honest about it than that,” Mr Beattie said.

"We stuffed it up and I apologise to the viewers and the athletes."

He told Sunrise their decision to not show the athletes walking through the stadium was made based on the competitor's welfare.

View photos There were plenty of empty seats at Carrara Stadium for the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on Sunday night. Source: 7 News More

View photos Games Chairman Peter Beattie admitted the decision to not show the athletes 'was a mistake'. Source: 7 News More

“We were concerned about the welfare of athletes,” he explained.

“When you have thousands of athletes, where do you put them?

"They have competed, they are exhausted, and the last thing they want is to stand in a field for one hour to get into a closing ceremony."

Closing Ceremony; we wanted athletes to be part of and enjoy the Closing Ceremony. However, having them come in to the stadium in the pre show meant the TV audience were not able to see the athletes enter the stadium, alongside flag bearers. We got that wrong.#gc2018 — Peter Beattie (@SmartState1) April 15, 2018

The speeches were too many and too long. I was part of that and I acknowledge it. Again, we got that wrong.#gc2018 — Peter Beattie (@SmartState1) April 15, 2018

It is very simple. I should not have spoken. #gc2018 https://t.co/fWmlua3tbR — Peter Beattie (@SmartState1) April 15, 2018

In front of a disappointing crowd at Carrara Stadium, Channel 7 host Johanna Griggs accused the event organisers of destroying a beloved tradition.

"We can only show the pictures that are provided by the actual host broadcasters," Griggs said.

"They made the decision not to have athletes enter the stadium. They made the decision not to show the flag bearers.

View photos Viewers were hoping to see flag-bearer Kurt Fearnley and the other Games athletes. Source: Channel7 More

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