Baseball fans at Yankee Stadium sparked outrage Tuesday night after booing the Canadian national anthem ahead of Game 3 of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays . The jeers erupted as Broadway performer Graham Rowat began singing “O Canada,” setting an ugly tone before the pivotal matchup. The behavior drew swift backlash online
Boos and backlash as Yankees fans disrespect ‘O Canada’ before ALDS clash
The moment unfolded just before first pitch at Yankee Stadium. As Graham Rowat— an Ontario native— began the anthem, loud boos echoed throughout the stands. Chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A” soon followed, drowning out the performance. Ironically, the same crowd erupted in cheers moments later when a large American flag was unfurled during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
See the video below–
For many fans watching from home, the display crossed the line of healthy rivalry. “It’s the national anthem. Some kind of respect needs to be paid to it,” former Yankees designated hitter Danny Tartabull once said in response to a similar 1993 incident — words that still resonate decades later.
Toronto wasted no time responding on the field. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched a two-run homer in the opening inning, continuing his red-hot postseason form and silencing the jeers with his bat. The Blue Jays, who entered the game leading the best-of-five series 2–0, looked determined to finish the job and advance to their first American League Championship Series since 2016.
Anthem disrespect reignites old rivalry and political undertones
This wasn’t the first time Yankee Stadium had been at the center of an anthem controversy. Back in 1985, fans booed “O Canada” during a heated pennant race, prompting a formal apology from the U.S. Ambassador to Canada. “Most Americans… were as deeply offended as were Canadians at the reaction of some spectators,” the apology read. “The booing reflected excessive partisan spirit in support of the home team and not any hostility to Canada.”
The latest incident comes amid renewed cross-border tensions that have spilled into sports. Earlier this year, Canadian fans were heard booing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at NHL and NBA games following trade disputes and political rhetoric, including President Donald Trump’s remark suggesting Canada could become “the 51st state.”
Also Read: "Another Toxic Insecure MAGA": Martina Navratilova Slams Kash Patel As FBI Trainee Dismissed Over Pride Flag Stirs National Debate
Boos and backlash as Yankees fans disrespect ‘O Canada’ before ALDS clash
The moment unfolded just before first pitch at Yankee Stadium. As Graham Rowat— an Ontario native— began the anthem, loud boos echoed throughout the stands. Chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A” soon followed, drowning out the performance. Ironically, the same crowd erupted in cheers moments later when a large American flag was unfurled during “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
See the video below–
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPhw2UQkgNv/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPhw2UQkgNv/
For many fans watching from home, the display crossed the line of healthy rivalry. “It’s the national anthem. Some kind of respect needs to be paid to it,” former Yankees designated hitter Danny Tartabull once said in response to a similar 1993 incident — words that still resonate decades later.
Toronto wasted no time responding on the field. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched a two-run homer in the opening inning, continuing his red-hot postseason form and silencing the jeers with his bat. The Blue Jays, who entered the game leading the best-of-five series 2–0, looked determined to finish the job and advance to their first American League Championship Series since 2016.
Anthem disrespect reignites old rivalry and political undertones
This wasn’t the first time Yankee Stadium had been at the center of an anthem controversy. Back in 1985, fans booed “O Canada” during a heated pennant race, prompting a formal apology from the U.S. Ambassador to Canada. “Most Americans… were as deeply offended as were Canadians at the reaction of some spectators,” the apology read. “The booing reflected excessive partisan spirit in support of the home team and not any hostility to Canada.”
The latest incident comes amid renewed cross-border tensions that have spilled into sports. Earlier this year, Canadian fans were heard booing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at NHL and NBA games following trade disputes and political rhetoric, including President Donald Trump’s remark suggesting Canada could become “the 51st state.”
Also Read: "Another Toxic Insecure MAGA": Martina Navratilova Slams Kash Patel As FBI Trainee Dismissed Over Pride Flag Stirs National Debate
You may also like
Actor Bobby Deol's younger son quit studies after Class 12, elder one studied in a 'great college'. What his sons will do next?
North Bengal disaster: Situation stabilises further; no new casualties reported
Karwa Chauth 2025: Is it on October 9 or October 10? Here's the correct date, puja timings & ritual details
Small Cities Lead India's Job Boom: Jaipur, Lucknow, and Indore Outpace Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru
UK households urged to leave cloves near windows this week
