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Bills' anthem choice sparks fan fury online
18 Sep
Summary
- Fans criticized Barenaked Ladies' rendition of O Canada.
- Confusion arose over the Canadian anthem at a US game.
- Some fans saw the anthem as an unnecessary political statement.
The performance of the Canadian national anthem, O Canada, by the Barenaked Ladies before the Buffalo Bills' Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions at the new Highmark Stadium generated significant backlash on social media. Viewers criticized both the decision to include the anthem and the musical rendition by the Canadian group.
Beyond the performance critique, many fans expressed confusion and discontent regarding the inclusion of the Canadian anthem in a game between two American teams. Some commenters perceived this as an unnecessary political statement or pandering by the NFL, questioning the league's motives.
Conversely, some supporters defended the inclusion of O Canada, citing Buffalo's proximity to the Canadian border and the long-standing presence of Canadian fans who travel to see the Bills. The team has previously reported that a substantial portion of their season ticket holders are Canadian, suggesting a connection to their northern neighbors.
