Once again, a Canadian fan base broke out in boos during the U.S. national anthem amid the ongoing tariff dispute between the countries.
And this time, the Knicks had a front-row seat.
Fans at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena booed during the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Tuesday night’s game between the Knicks and Raptors.
It was the latest instance in a trend that’s also seen Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames fans boo before home games in recent days.
The animosity stems from President Trump’s threat to impose 25% taxes on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% taxes on Canadian oil, natural gas and electricity. Trump ordered the tariffs amid his border crackdown.
The leaders of both countries responded by ordering their own tariffs against the U.S.
On Monday, Trump said he would pause the tariffs for 30 days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to address his border enforcement concerns.
“I am very pleased with this initial outcome,” Trump said on social media.
It is standard across sports for both anthems to be played before games between an American team and a Canadian team.
Raptors fans previously booed during the performance of the U.S. anthem before Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
After that game, Raptors forward Chris Boucher, who is a Canadian citizen, said he had never witnessed something like the mid-anthem boos.
“But have you ever seen us getting taxed like that?” Boucher asked.
Trump’s suspension of the tariffs did not apply to a 10% tax he imposed on China. On Tuesday, China ordered retaliatory tariffs against the U.S.
Tuesday marked the Knicks’ final game of the season against the Raptors, whom they beat in each of their previous three meetings. The Knicks entered Tuesday as winners in six of their last seven games.
With News Wire Services
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