We already knew that Canadian hockey fans were not satisfied with their American neighbors, and now it seems that the fans of Toronto Raptors feel the same way.
Only one day after Canadian sports fans had boasted the star banner before a game by Ottawa Senator, and a game in Calgary Flames that was the same before today's NBA game between the Raptors and La Clipper.
The game took place in Toronto in the Scotiabank Arena, whereby the hymn was strongly booed at the beginning and during the entire performance of the singer.
Many boos for the American anthem before the Raptors game today.
Conversely, many cheers and sing for O Canada. pic.twitter.com/pi9lczc903
– Adam LASKARIS (@adam_la2karis) February 2025
It was a growing trend over this weekend that the American anthem achieved such a negative reaction at sporting events in Canada. This is due to the newly announced tariffs for Canadian goods that US President Donald Trump would come into force this week.
While the American hymn was hit with a flood by Boo-Birds, the opposite could be said when the 15-year-old singer switched to “O Canada”. The selection changed to rough when the Canadian fans showed their support for their home country.
Canada loud and proud here in the Scotiabank Arena
Let us go raptors pic.twitter.com/a6aov4qscd
– Cam (@thecamore) February 2,
However, there were a few things for the fans they could cheer on. Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, members of the NBA championship fight 2019, were both with the clipper in the city on Sunday, while their former teammate Danny Green was also present.
The trio was honored in the middle of the first quarter with a common tribut video.
The Raptors honored Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell and Danny Green with all 3 in today's game between Toronto and The Clippers. pic.twitter.com/bgjeolzz1m
– Tomer Azarly (@Tomerazarly) February 2025
This is not the first time that the American hymn in Canada was bumped into with a less than outstanding reaction. As early as 2003, the fans of Montreal Canadiens expanded the hymn in an obvious refutation in the war in Iraq, which was carried out by America, which carried out an apology from the then President Pierre Boivin.
To say that the relationship between Americans and Canadians is tense would not be wrong and you can only hope that the two countries can work out at some point that is an advantage for all parties.
Until then, more Boo birds can be traveling.