Since last February, anthem booing has become quite common at sports arenas across North America. That time, it was driven by Canada–U.S. tariff tensions. Although the infamous trend faded after a few weeks, what happened at Yankee Stadium the other day drew harsh criticism for days.

A few days ago, the Blue Jays visited New York City for Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees. Disappointingly, loud and scattered boos were heard throughout Yankee Stadium.

In contrast to the Yankees’ fans’ disrespectful and emblematic act, the Seattle fans honored the Toronto anthem on Wednesday at T-Mobile Park. “Respect to Seattle for not booing the Canadian anthem. They put Yankee fans to shame.” BlueJaysTwit noted on X.

The Yankees–Blue Jays rivalry isn’t only happening on the field anymore. It’s just been heating up off the field as well. Some reports revealed last month that Canadian residents were blocked from buying tickets to the Blue Jays’ ALDS games at Yankee Stadium. It created a loud and one-sided home environment in the Bronx.

For now, the Yankees fans are still taking heat for the anthem-booing incident, and it’s starting to feel like this new rivalry extends far beyond the field.

Yankees fans under fire as Mariners fans win praise

Ever since the Opening day, the Yankees-Blue Jays rivalry has gone a notch higher. And now, it was a lot to take in when Bronx faithful were disrespectful to the Canadian anthem. The Blue Jays Nation couldn’t help but notice that Mariners fans are far classier and more respectful than that way. “Seattle always keeps it classy!” A fan noted.

Another fan noted, “No real animosity between Seattle and Toronto.  I think there’s actual respect between the two teams!” For the record, the Mariners and Blue Jays are in different divisions—AL West and AL East, respectively. This separation alone reduces the intensity of their rivalry. It allows for a more respectful competition when they do meet.

That’s why, to some, it’s not even surprising that the Mariners have a respectful fan base. “Not surprising at all. Seattle has some of the very best sports fans on the planet.” It’s also important to note that playing for New York isn’t easy. New York fans have a reputation for being extra harsh at games.

Another fan chimed in with: “Mariners fans did it right. They supported the Canadian anthem, unlike the Yankees fans.” Fans booing the national anthem at the Bronx is in stark contrast to how Toronto was treated in T-Mobile Park.

In fact, do you know when the hostile crowd went silent in the Bronx that day? Exactly when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stepped up and slammed his third homer of the series in the top of the first. As he gave the Blue Jays an early 2-0 lead, the once-roaring Bronx crowd went from deafening to dead silent. “Yankee fans think their team is at the center of the baseball world.” This led netizens to call out the Yankees fans like this.