Jeers were heard during ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ in Toronto, Winnipeg and Vancouver
Author of the article:
Published Feb 05, 2025 • Last updated Feb 05, 2025 • 2 minute read
Canadian sports fans continue to voice their displeasure at American economic policies despite a pause in a trade war between Canada and the United States.
Article content
Article content
Boos echoed through Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Tuesday night as Elizabeth Irving launched into the opening notes of the U.S. national anthem before the Canucks hosted the Colorado Avalanche.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
Fans cheered as she finished the song and the applause grew louder as Irving began “O Canada.” Many joined the vocalist in singing the anthem and cheers erupted once again during the line “the land of the free.”
The rink was one of three Canadian venues where “The Star-Spangled Banner” was jeered on Tuesday.
Recommended from Editorial
At Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, fans booed the song before the Raptors hosted the New York Knicks.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Article content
Loud cheers urged on the anthem singer when he began “O Canada.”
A mild version of the protest took place in Winnipeg where the Jets faced the Carolina Hurricanes at Canada Life Centre. The boos, which weren’t very loud or overly enthusiastic, tapered off quickly but grew louder near the end of the song.
A short-lived smattering of boos as the Star-Spangled Banner is performed here in Winnipeg. Certainly not at the same levels we saw prior to Monday in other Canadian cities. pic.twitter.com/l1faZeF3Yu
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) February 5, 2025
Article content
The strong reactions are likely in response to a looming trade war between Canada and the United States, sparked by executive orders from U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend that threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.
Talks between the three countries on Monday led to the American tariffs and retaliatory Canadian and Mexican tariffs being paused for a month.
It’s the second time in a week Raptors fans have booed the U.S. anthem, following a similar scene before Sunday’s 115-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Fans also booed the U.S. anthem at Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday before the Senators shut out the Minnesota Wild 6-0. Then on Sunday night fans in Vancouver jeered the anthem before the Canucks lost to the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in overtime.
American fans returned the favour in Nashville on Monday before the Predators lost to Ottawa 5-2.
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Article content
The Canadian Press
Read More