Booing of American anthem continues at Raptors game despite tariff pause
Canadian sports fans are making their voices heard when it comes to American economic policies, even as tensions ease between Canada and the United States. On Tuesday, fans at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena booed during the U.S. national anthem before the Raptors took on the New York Knicks. However, cheers erupted when the anthem singer began to sing “O Canada.”
These strong reactions are likely a response to the looming trade war between the two countries. Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders threatened to increase tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, leading to widespread concern and frustration among Canadians.
Despite the initial tension, talks between the three countries on Monday resulted in a temporary pause on the American tariffs and retaliatory measures from Canada and Mexico. This development provided a brief respite from the escalating trade war.
This isn’t the first time Canadian sports fans have expressed their discontent through booing the American national anthem. Just days earlier, Raptors fans booed before their game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Similar reactions were seen at Ottawa’s Canadian Tire Centre and in Vancouver during games over the weekend.
In a tit-for-tat display, American fans also booed the Canadian anthem in Nashville on Monday before the Predators faced off against the Ottawa Senators.
As the week continues, more NHL games are on the schedule, with the Winnipeg Jets hosting the Carolina Hurricanes and the Colorado Avalanche playing in Vancouver on Tuesday night. It remains to be seen how fans will continue to express their opinions on the ongoing trade disputes between Canada and the United States.
Overall, the passionate reactions from sports fans highlight the broader impact of economic policies on everyday citizens, transcending national boundaries and resonating in unexpected places like sports arenas.
