The Patriots and the Jaguars seek a game for the first win, coming out all guns blazing. In all this much-needed excitement, another issue has come to light- the US National Anthem before the game.

The Irony in the National Anthem

This is Wembley Stadium’s last match of the season but has started in a huge way. The internet has gone hot with comments after the US National Anthem was played in London; after all, in historical context, this anthem was sung against England.And, naturally, supporters went online, pointing out that “the ‘Patriots’ are playing in London,” with comments like “Our national anthem is literally about the war against England.”.

Fan Backlash and Outrage

This incident sparked a fire in the feelings of fans, and it let loose the critical process of people against the NFL for making such a performance possible. In this regard, some fans went to shout out their anger, one of them saying that “National anthem before sporting events is still the dumbest thing ever.”.
Many annoyed American fans felt offended by this, but some even made light of the situation. There was a frustrated fan who complained, “Why are we singing our national anthem in f**king London?” With this, there were also taunts directed to the home fans regarding the anthem.
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A Display of American Pride?

But amidst all this hullabaloo, some fans appreciated it as a kind of American patriotism. There was one labelling it “pretty gangsta activity by the NFL,” or that having the anthem performed outside the United States was proof of American power and might on the world stage. Others placed it in historical context for example, as a victory lap, as such state as was from one fan: “Singing the national anthem in London because we won the war.”.

Demands for British Response

Some people say that the British fans should have responded because it was not right to ignore the provocation. Someone commented saying, “If the British have any respect for themselves, they ought to boo the US national anthem.”
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