Sean McDonough wants mutual respect between American and Canadian fans after “The Star-Spangled Banner” was booed during the 4 Nations Face-Off last week.
The ESPN announcer, who’s on the call for Thursday’s championship clash between the United States and Canada in Boston, explained that he hopes Team USA faithful won’t boo the Canadian anthem, “O Canada,” despite the “political things” going on — referring to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and his previous remarks about wanting to make Canada “the 51st state.”
“I really hope our people don’t boo the anthem,” McDonough said on WEEI on Tuesday. “Let’s be better than that. I think we all have a lot of respect for what a great country Canada is. And the political things that have led the Canadians recently.
“I understand it from their perspective, especially having been up there for several days. So, let’s be better than that and be respectful of their anthem and cheer like hell for our own.”
McDonough’s plea came after boos rang down from the crowd during the tournament’s opening games at Bell Centre in Montreal last week.
Fans booed the U.S. national anthem prior to the Americans’ 3-1 win over Canada on Saturday.
The Canadian national anthem was then booed before Canada’s 5-3 win against Finland on Monday at TD Garden in Boston.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has condemned booing during the U.S. national anthem amid the political climate.
Prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off, fans at NBA and NHL games have booed during the U.S. national anthem seemingly in protest of Trump’s tariff policies and stance toward Canada.
Team USA general manager Bill Guerin said he hopes President Trump attends Thursday’s game.
“We would love it if President Trump was in attendance,” Guerin told Fox News. “We have a room full of proud American players and coaches and staff. And, listen, we’re just trying to represent our country the best way we can.”
McDonough is the lead play-by-place voice for ESPN, and he missed Team USA’s 6-1 win over Finland last week in its 4 Nations Face-Off opener due to a bout with the flu.
He was replaced by Jets radio play-by-play announcer Bob Wischusen.
The USA vs. Canada rematch in the championship game will take place on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
