“Just Shitty Little Babies?” Shanahan’s Anthem Response Sparks US-Canada Feud

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem, but his potential five-word response has ignited a cross-border debate, with some calling it dismissive and others finding it apt[1][4].

**Anthem Booing: A Recurring Issue**

The incident, part of a recurring trend, took place at the 4 Nations Face-Off game in Montreal[2][4]. This is not new, as some believe Canadian sports fans are booing the U.S. national anthem after Trump tariffs[5].

**Potential Response: Downplaying the Act?**

While there’s no direct evidence of Shanahan issuing a five-word statement, drawing on other situations, a fitting response echoing a dismissive sentiment might be: “Just shitty little babies”[1].

A similar sentiment of “toughen up or move on” to negative behavior in Philadelphia, was mentioned by a Reddit user discussing Eagles fans booing their own team[1]. Another user responded to the Eagles’ situation by commenting, “Let it go… This is just how Philadelphia fans are”[1].

**Social Media Backlash and Support (Hypothetical)**

A hypothetical response like that would undoubtedly cause a stir on social media, with fans likely taking sides:

* **American Outrage:** Many Americans would likely find the statement disrespectful, viewing it as downplaying a sign of disrespect towards their country.
* **Canadian Defense:** Some Canadians might defend the booing as a form of protest or free expression, while also criticizing Shanahan’s perceived lack of sensitivity.

**The Broader Implications**

While seemingly confined to the realm of sports, these anthem incidents often reflect deeper political and cultural tensions between the two countries[5]. Shanahan’s hypothetical response highlights the complexities of navigating national pride and international relations in a highly visible public forum.

**Conclusion: A Spark for Cross-Border Tension**

While the exact words Shanahan may or may not have uttered are unconfirmed, the scenario underscores the sensitivity surrounding national anthems and cross-border relations. The incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple acts can ignite complex and passionate debates, particularly when national pride and international relations are involved.