Canadian fans drowned out the U.S. national anthem at this year’s WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto Saturday night, the latest display from Canadians marking growing tension with the United States.
The reaction comes days before President Donald Trump plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, expected to start on March 4.
This is one in a string of reactions where Canadian fans have made their feelings toward their southern neighbour known.
A similar display was seen at the 4 Nations Face-Off games last month, where Montreal hockey fans booed at the American anthem, even after the public address announcer asked fans to respect both teams.
In the same series, Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk surprised fans by changing the lyrics of “O Canada” before Canada beat the U.S. in overtime at TD Garden arena in Boston, the Star reported last month.
During Kreviazuk’s performance, the lyrics “in all of us command” were changed to “that only us command,” for the sake of Canadian pride and sovereignty, she told The Canadian Press.
Canadian NHL fans also displayed some hostility towards the U.S. national anthem at games in Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver throughout February.
On Feb. 2, fans attending a Toronto Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena booed the American national anthem, which was followed by cheers as fans sang “O Canada” loudly, the Star reported in February.
The reaction came a day after Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods.
On Thursday, Trump doubled down on his threat to impose tariffs on Canada, which include a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, with a 10 per cent tariff on oil and gas.
