A political protest erupted at a major sporting event in London this weekend, as transatlantic tensions over trade and territory spilled onto the basketball court.
Heckle Halts Anthem at The O2
During Sunday's NBA game at The O2 Arena in London, actor and singer Vanessa Williams was performing The Star-Spangled Banner before the tip-off between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic. Her rendition was abruptly interrupted by a shout from the crowd of "Leave Greenland alone!" The unexpected political interjection was met with a notable round of applause from many spectators in the arena.
The Tariff Threats Behind the Protest
The heckle was a direct reference to recent economic threats made by US President Donald Trump against several European nations. This week, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on a range of countries, including the UK, unless the United States is permitted to purchase Greenland.
On Saturday, the President specified that a 10% tariff would be applied to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland starting 1 February. He warned this would rise to 25% on 1 June if his demands concerning Greenland were not met.
European Leaders and Sporting Fans Push Back
European leaders have firmly rejected the US President's stance. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes." He added that applying tariffs on NATO allies for collective security was "completely wrong" and that the issue would be pursued directly with the US administration.
This is not the first time sports fans have used events to voice displeasure with Trump's policies:
- Canadian fans have booed the US anthem at basketball and ice hockey games after Trump threatened annexation and raised tariffs.
- He was jeered at a Washington Commanders NFL game this season.
- Chants of "lock him up" greeted him during the 2019 World Series.
The incident at The O2 underscores how geopolitical disputes are increasingly finding expression in the world of sport, turning arenas into unlikely arenas for international diplomatic protest.
