why does google verification code show up on my published website?

[PB2020]

Going through the process of verifying my website on Google, added the verification coding to the SEO header box and published now the verification code is displayed on the published webpage!

Can anyone tell me how to publish the site without the coding being displayed?

[Bernadette3 · Accepted solution]

Hi @PB2020 It sounds like you may be missing some < > open/close tags. Can you please post a link to the site? 

[PB2020]

Hi Bernadette, 

Thanks for this advice, I added open / close tags and issue is resolved. 

Regards

Paul

[TCC1]

as if by magic my site is now a little tidier after a very long time showing the line. Thanks questioner and Bernadette.