The broadcaster's gaffe came prior to the crunch international football match between Northern Ireland and Spain in Las Palmas last Wednesday night.
Many viewers using the subtitle service will have been puzzled to read the caption "Northern Ireland National Anthem: A Soldiers Song", as the players lined up before kick off.
The correct caption should have read God Save the Queen, rather than refer to A Soldiers Song , the national anthem of the Irish Republic.
A BBC spokesman said the mistake came about due to a system error.
" During live subtitling on games, a system of 'shortforms' is used extensively. This system stores a range of commonly used items including players' names and other frequently used phrases.
"Unfortunately, during the Spain - Northern Ireland game, the wrong 'shortform' was inadvertently selected for the national anthem being played.
"We apologise for the error."
The DUP's Gregory Campbell labeled the incident a "howler."
"This can only be described as a howler, a horlicks, call it what you will.
"Whoever is responsible for this must be reminded that God Save the Queen is the national anthem of Northern Ireland and ensure this mistake is not made again."
Mr Campbell called on the BBC to ensure the correct anthem is used during Northern Ireland's upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.