Call it the Star Mangled Banner.
Canadian sports fans reacted over the weekend to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs by jeering the American national anthem, in a vivid illustration of unrest between the neighboring countries.
Trump sparked an imminent trade war on Saturday by officially levying 25 percent tariffs on goods imported from Canada (and Mexico), which enraged politicians — from across the political spectrum — vying to become the new prime minister in Ottawa.
Trump has also vowed to “absolutely” hit the EU with tariffs, with Brussels pledging to retaliate when the U.S. president takes that step.
Canada’s outgoing PM Justin Trudeau struck back at Trump over the weekend, by announcing a 25 percent tariff of American goods ranging from alcoholic drinks to household appliances and sporting gear.
Based on the reaction from Canada’s premier sporting arenas, the tariffs have infuriated Canadian citizens too.
On Saturday night in Ottawa supporters booed the U.S national anthem, before the Senators played the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League (NHL). Calgary Flames fans echoed that reaction the same evening, lustily jeering the anthem, before their game against the Seattle Kraken.
More anthem-booing occurred Sunday in Toronto, right before the Raptors played the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association.
The trend then continued later Sunday on the west coast, with more loud jeering for the Star Spangled Banner as the Vancouver Canucks hosted the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL.
Against the specter of a North American trade war, Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto’s sports teams were all victorious against their U.S. rivals, but Detroit came out on top against Vancouver.
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