NBA Fan Interrupts US Anthem at London Game With Three-Word Chant at Trump

ByP

A brief protest disrupted the US national anthem before an NBA game in London, when a spectator shouted a message aimed at former US president Donald Trump.

The incident occurred ahead of a matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies at London’s O2 Arena. The teams had previously faced each other in Berlin earlier in the week.

Before the game began, actress and singer Vanessa Williams was performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of a full crowd when the interruption took place.

A man in the stands shouted, “Leave Greenland alone!” briefly cutting into the anthem. The remark sparked a mix of reactions, with some boos quickly overtaken by louder cheers from the audience.

As Williams completed the anthem, the crowd responded with applause. The moment was widely discussed on social media, with some attendees describing strong reactions inside the arena.

The comment referenced Trump’s repeated statements that the United States should acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. His remarks have drawn sharp opposition from European leaders, who have reaffirmed support for national sovereignty.

On the court, the Grizzlies defeated the Magic 126–109, marking the NBA’s first regular-season game in England since 2019. The league also announced future international games in Manchester, Paris, and Berlin.