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The MLS All-Star Game did not get off to a smooth start at BMO Field Thursday night.
In what seems like a poorly planned pre-game ceremony, those in attendance resorted to booing during England's God Save the Queen, initially, before increasing in volume during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Both England's flag - the St. George's Cross - and the American Stars and Stripes were on display and centre field, with no sign of a Maple Leaf, save for that attached to a skydiver who arrived before the official formalities commenced.
Anyone watching at home would have been none the wiser, as CBC's broadcast cut in only after this had taken place, at which point both teams lined up and a rendition of O Canada was sung live at the stadium.
However, for those in the stadium, confusion was understandable, as they were kept in the dark as to the plans for the ceremony.
"Before the game, the PA system announced that the English and U.S. national anthems were to be sung, but there was no mention of the Canadian," said Malcolm Phillips, one of Toronto FC's backroom staff, on hand for the game to assist All-Star head coach Steve Nicol.
And he was quick to reiterate that the hometown side has never had any problems with anthems before, being that every other team that visits BMO Field for MLS contests is U.S.-based. "In the two years we've been in existence, I've never heard The Star-Spangled Banner booed before games," he explained.
