Pictures Show The Difference In How Serbia And Team USA Respect Their National Anthem

Before the start of the highly anticipated Team USA vs. Serbia semifinal at the Paris Olympics, the national anthems of both countries were played, as is tradition in international sports. The contrasting reactions from the two teams during this solemn moment became a point of discussion among fans and commentators alike.

As the Serbian national anthem played, the Serbian team demonstrated a deep sense of unity and respect. The players linked arms, stood close together, and sang their anthem with pride and passion. Their collective posture and emotional engagement during the anthem were evident, reflecting their love for their country and the honor they felt in representing Serbia on the world stage.

In stark contrast, many of the Team USA players were seen with their hands in their pockets, looking around, or seemingly disengaged during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." While this behavior might be considered normal during the NBA season, where the anthem is played before every game, it struck a nerve with some fans watching the Olympics, a platform where national pride is often emphasized.

The difference in how the two teams approached this moment did not go unnoticed. Social media users were quick to express their disappointment with the perceived lack of respect from the American players. Here are some of the reactions:

Daily Romania : "Hands in your pants during the national anthem??? This is like insulting your own mother."

Global Dissident : "They should be banned from playing on the national team."

Mario ZNA : "How can they disrespect their own country so much?!"

"I have always wondered how true Americans feel when they see such disrespectful behavior."

Vito : "Refs were singing the US anthem like the Serbian team did theirs."

Catherine B. Roy : "Well, everyone from the Serbian team has actually been born in Serbia and probably many generations before them in their families. Serbians are known for loving Serbia."

Arminius : "I am a citizen of the USA. I wanted Serbia to win; the NBA trash are not my countrymen."

Danijel Barukcic : "And the East is supposed to be uncivilized."

Califlortex : "Ya, the US has a bunch of overpaid prima donnas who care more about themselves than representing their country. It showed in the way they played also."

TRΛVIS : "I’d rather deport these black guys refusing to honor the American flag than allow them to represent us on the world stage. Taxpayers foot the bill to keep blacks housed and fed, literally the best time and place in human history to be black… yet they couldn’t be less appreciative."

Niko : "In fact, raising your hand to your heart during the national anthem was an American thing. I remember that when in another Olympic games, the Greek basketball team did the same as the Americans, most people commented negatively about it, and that is not 'our way' to do it. Nowadays, things have changed, and the Americans don't give a sh*t, and others do it..."

Agra : "They clearly are Serbian proud, which is awesome to see, and with this disparity of talent, you need a lot of hunger and pride to make it a close game, respect."

(The name on the left is the X account name, while the comment is their tweet)

While it’s important to note that the Team USA players were not outright disrespectful—no one knelt or turned away, as has been seen in other protests—they did appear more casual, perhaps a reflection of their familiarity with the ritual. In the NBA, where the anthem is a routine part of every game, the players might not feel the same heightened sense of occasion as during an international event like the Olympics.

However, the passion and pride of the American players were evident after the game, as they celebrated their hard-fought comeback victory. They were clearly proud to be representing their country and advancing to the gold medal game.

In the end, the difference in how the two teams approached their national anthems serves as a reminder of the varied ways in which athletes express their patriotism and respect for their countries. While the Serbian team's display was more traditionally emotive, Team USA's players showed their dedication and love for their country through their actions on the court, culminating in a close and crucial victory.

Related: Serbian President Calls Out Officiating In Team USA Vs. Serbia Game

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