The Macedonian Sun & (Original) Flag

[Carlin]

How the lion was not adopted as the coat of arms I will never know

Probably if the lion was chosen for both the coat of arms and the flag Bulgaria would "veto"/blockade back in the 90's.

[Liberator of Makedonija]

Football game between Preston Makedonia and Sydney Olympic in 1985, the Macedonian flag can be seen waved by Preston fans:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbMOiw6lJm0&t=210s&ab_channel=SydneyOlympicFC