NBA Game in London Draws Boos: "Leave Greenland Alone" Chanted at U.S. Team

Rising Anti-American Sentiment Across Europe, Including the UK

During the NBA game held at the O2 Arena in London, UK, anti-Trump chants were heard from the audience, drawing attention. As President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his intention to annex Greenland as U.S. territory, analysts say that anti-American sentiment is spreading across European society in response.

On the 18th (local time), before the NBA game held in London, UK, singer Vanessa Williams is singing the United States national anthem. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

According to The Guardian on the 18th (local time), the NBA game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic took place at London's O2 Arena. Just before the game, American actress and singer Vanessa Williams passionately sang the U.S. national anthem, during which a man in the audience shouted, "Leave Greenland alone." Applause and cheers then erupted from various sections of the crowd.

This game took place the day after President Trump announced that he would impose a 10% tariff starting next month on eight countries that had sent troops to Greenland, a Danish territory. President Trump also warned that, starting June 1, a higher tariff rate of 25% would be imposed.

Previously, eight countries-including Denmark, the UK, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland-had dispatched troops to Greenland. European leaders have voiced opposition to President Trump; for example, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and its future belongs to Greenland and Denmark," adding, "It is entirely wrong for the United States to impose tariffs on its allies."

Meanwhile, anti-American sentiment is not limited to Europe. Previously, when President Trump imposed high tariffs on Canadian goods, suggesting he would make Canada the '51st state,' Canadians also expressed their disapproval by booing during a professional ice hockey (NHL) game against the United States. Notably, in a game between the U.S. and Canada held last February, three fights broke out among players within just nine seconds of the game starting.