49ers’ George Kittle Unhappy with Canadian Fans Booing U.S. National Anthem
San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle has expressed his frustration after Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem before a recent game. The incident, which took place in Toronto, has sparked controversy among fans and athletes alike.
Kittle Calls Out Disrespect
Known for his passionate love of football and deep respect for his country, Kittle did not hold back when addressing the crowd’s reaction to “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“Booing any national anthem, no matter where you are, is just plain disrespectful,” Kittle said in a post-game interview. “We go out there to play a game and entertain fans. There’s no place for that kind of behavior.”
His comments quickly gained traction online, with many fans and fellow athletes backing his stance.
Why Did Fans Boo?
While the exact reason for the booing remains unclear, speculation suggests it may have been linked to rising tensions in international sports rivalries, political disagreements, or simple hometown passion. Some Canadian fans reportedly felt disrespected by American teams dominating Canadian sports broadcasts, while others were possibly reacting to past moments where U.S. crowds have booed other national anthems.
Regardless of the motive, many athletes and analysts agree that booing a national anthem crosses a line.
Backlash and Support
Kittle’s reaction has sparked a heated debate among NFL fans and the sports community. Some have defended Canadian fans, arguing that sports rivalries often bring out strong emotions. Others, however, have stood firmly with Kittle, calling for respect during national anthems, regardless of the setting.
Many 49ers supporters took to social media to express their outrage:
🔹 “Respect goes both ways. You don’t have to love another country’s anthem, but booing it? That’s classless.”
🔹 “George Kittle speaks the truth! There’s no reason to disrespect an entire country over a football game.”
On the other hand, some Canadian fans defended the reaction, suggesting that passionate crowds should not be censored and that American fans have also booed other national anthems in the past.
Kittle Focused on Football
Despite the controversy, Kittle made it clear that his main focus remains on helping the 49ers succeed.
“At the end of the day, my job is to play football and represent my team the right way,” he said. “I just hope that, moving forward, we can all show a little more respect for each other.”
As the NFL season continues, it remains to be seen whether this incident will have any lasting effects. One thing is for sure—George Kittle has made his stance clear, and he’s not backing down.
