Toronto Raptors fans boo American national anthem amid trade war with US

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canadian basketball fans booed America’s national anthem in Toronto on Sunday after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada.

Fans at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto jeered before the Toronto Raptors' home game against NBA team the Los Angeles Clippers.

Canadian fans later cheered loudly when the Canadian anthem "O Canada" began.

Fans of the Ottawa Senators hockey team also booed the US national anthem before a home game in Ottawa against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.

On Saturday, Trump signed an executive order that imposes 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico which take effect at 12.01 a.m. (0501GMT) Tuesday unless the two countries tighten up the borders to cut down on drugs entering the US as well as illegal immigrants. He also announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau retaliated with CAN$155 billion (US$105 billion) in tariffs on American products entering Canada.

"Tonight, I am announcing Canada will be responding to the US trade actions with 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods," Trudeau said at a news conference, following an hours-long meeting with Canada’s provincial premiers.