A heckler interrupted the US national anthem before an NBA game in London on Sunday, shouting 'Leave Greenland alone' as tensions between Europe and the United States spilled into the sporting arena. Actor Vanessa Williams was performing the Star-Spangled Banner at the O2 Arena ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies versus Orlando Magic match when the outburst occurred, drawing cheers and applause from parts of the crowd.
The intervention came amid escalating trade disputes, with US President Donald Trump threatening a 25% tariff on several European countries, including the UK, unless the US is allowed to purchase Greenland. On Saturday, Trump announced a 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland starting from 1 February, rising to 25% by 1 June if his demands are not met.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded firmly, stating: '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: 'Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.'
Sunday's heckle is not an isolated incident; Canadian fans have booed the US anthem at basketball and ice hockey games in the past year following Trump's threats to make Canada a '51st state' and his tariff hikes on Canadian goods. Trump himself has been booed at US sporting events, including a Washington Commanders game this season and during the 2019 World Series.
