Toronto Raptors fans continue trend of booing US national anthem
Share and Follow

TORONTO — Fans at a Toronto Raptors game continued an emerging trend Sunday of booing the American national anthem at pro sporting events in Canada.

Spectators of the NBA’s only Canadian team expressed their disapproval during the national anthem following similar incidents at NHL matches in Ottawa and Calgary. This occurred shortly after President Donald Trump announced the implementation of import tariffs on Canada, their neighboring country.

Initially showing support for the 15-year-old female vocalist, the crowd proceeded to boo throughout the rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Despite mixed reactions at the conclusion of the anthem, the fans ultimately erupted in applause for “O Canada,” their national anthem.

Booing also ensued during Agasha Mutesasira’s performance of the American anthem in Vancouver while the Canucks faced off against the Detroit Red Wings. The incident took place on Sunday evening in British Columbia.

Raptors forward Chris Boucher, a Canadian citizen, was asked after his team’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers whether he’d ever experienced something like that.

“No, no, no,” he said. “But have you ever seen us getting taxed like that?”

Trump declared an economic emergency Saturday in order to place taxes of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on imports from China. Energy imported from Canada, including oil, natural gas and electricity, would be taxed at a 10% rate.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexico’s president ordered retaliatory tariffs on goods from America in response.

Joseph Chua, a Toronto resident who was at the game, said he’s going to be feeling the tariffs “pretty directly” in his work as an importer.

Still, he said he doesn’t think booing is “the right thing to do in this situation.” He chose to stay seated instead.

“I have a bunch of American family, friends that live in the states that are Americans, we travel to America all the time, but I thought chanting, ‘Canada,’ would be a more appropriate stance,” said Chua, who was deliberately wearing his red Canada Basketball cap. “Usually I will stand. I’ve always stood during both anthems. I’ve taken my hat off to show respect to the American national anthem, but today we’re feeling a little bitter about things.

“We were already talking about what businesses are Canadian, specifically, what are American, specifically, what to avoid. When I go grocery shopping, I will definitely be trying to avoid American products and groceries.”

U.S. national anthem boos in Canada are rare, but not unheard of especially when tied to world events. In the early 2000s, fans at games in Canada booed to show their disapproval of the U.S.-led war against Iraq.

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who won an NBA championship with the Raptors in 2019, and coach Tyronn Lue declined to comment on the booing.

Lue, however, sang along to “O Canada.” He said he just likes the song.

“I heard it a lot of times being in the playoffs here, so I know it by heart,” he said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
100-year-old WWII veteran honored in Oklahoma

Centenarian WWII Hero Celebrated in Oklahoma: A Heartwarming Tribute to 100 Years of Valor

In Miami, Oklahoma, a distinguished World War II veteran marked his 100th…
California lawmaker proposes splitting state in two, calls Prop. 50 'a major catalyst'

California Legislator Suggests Dividing State, Citing Prop. 50 as Key Motivator

Following last week’s approval of Proposition 50 by California voters, which could…
Did anyone win the $490M Powerball jackpot? Winning numbers for Monday, Nov. 10

Powerball Results Revealed: Find Out if the $490M Jackpot Has a Winner for Nov. 10

Since September, the Powerball jackpot has been steadily climbing, following the last…
Chinese diplomat threatens to cut off new Japanese PM's head over Taiwan comments

Chinese Diplomat’s Explosive Threat to Japan’s New PM Sparks International Tensions Over Taiwan Remarks

A diplomatic uproar has erupted after a Chinese consul general in Japan…
Families sue Camp Mystic over deadly Texas flood, allege negligence and profit motive

Families File Lawsuit Against Camp Mystic: Allegations of Negligence and Profit Motive in Devastating Texas Flood

The families of seven young girls and camp counselors who tragically lost…

California Mountain Bus Crash: Overturned Vehicle Sends Multiple Passengers to Hospital

In a dramatic incident Sunday night, a bus carrying 36 passengers through…
Help change lives during our 10th annual K9s for Warriors Veterans Day Telethon

Join the 10th Annual K9s for Warriors Veterans Day Telethon: Transforming Lives of Veterans and Service Dogs

For the past decade, First Coast News has partnered with K9s for…
Cocaine packages in the back of a pickup truck

Major Cocaine Bust: Over 65 Pounds Found Hidden Beneath Dog Cage During Routine Traffic Stop

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) A routine traffic stop in Fort Wayne last…