DELAYED PATRIOTISM

PETER MALLETT

The opening ceremony did not get off to a smooth start at BMO Field last night. Despite the fact that a skydiver arrived on the pitch with a Canadian flag wrapped around him, there was initially no Maple Leaf at centre field. There was the St. George's Cross - England's flag - and the Stars and Stripes of the United States, much to the surprise of the Toronto FC fans in attendance. Canada was also excluded when it came to the national anthems, as there were only renditions of The Star-Spangled Banner and God Save the Queen, much to the dismay of those in attendance, who responded with a chorus of boos before spontaneously erupting into their own rendition of O Canada. However, the Canadian flag finally arrived, courtesy of the RCMP, accompanied by the Canadian anthem, much to the delight of the fans.