The Buffalo Bills opened their season on Thursday night with a performance of the Canadian national anthem, drawing furious reactions from MAGA supporters online and turning a familiar game-night ritual into an unexpected political flashpoint.

Playing "O, Canada" is not new for the Bills, who draw fans from both countries thanks to their proximity to the northern border — a geographic reality that has shaped the team's traditions for decades. While the team does not play the Canadian anthem at every game, it is known to perform it on special occasions, local news reported. The late owner, Ralph Wilson, supported the gesture.

Still, amid the conflict between President Trump and Canada, MAGA supporters were enraged by the move, believing it was an intentional slight against the president. The fallout underscores how anthem customs in border markets like Buffalo are increasingly being swept into geopolitical disputes, with fans and commentators parsing ceremonial choices for political meaning.

"The Buffalo Bills played the Canadian national anthem at their game last night and MAGA is losing their minds over it. Total snowflakes! It was great to see! Canada is our friend," Democratic activist Harry Sisson posted on X.

"Singing the Canadian National Anthem at the Buffalo Bills home opener was a mistake... There's ZERO reason to honor a foreign country when a Canadian team is not involved in this game whatsoever. This was an idiotic decision," said OutKick content creator Jon Root, who covers the intersection of sports and culture.

"What in the world did I just watch?! The Lions/Bills game just started off with the CANADIAN national anthem. I s—— you not, and it's being played in Buffalo, NY," said poster LD Basler, who describes himself as "MAGA AF."

"Wow! I'm glad I didn't watch any of that game. I guess there is no point in watching the Buffalo Bills of the Canadian Football League," one person replied.

"Only America will a National Football team (Buffalo Bills) play the Canadian National Anthem before our own Anthem on their home opener, in a brand new stadium to appease the anti-American Socialists on the other side of the pond!" said one woman identifying herself as pro-life and MAGA.

Kevin MacFarland, whose handle is "GOPChairperson," posted a driving map showing just how close Buffalo is to Canada. "Quick geography lesson for the MAGA r—— before they crash out over Buffalo recognizing their Canadian fans tonight."

He was flooded with angry responses.

"Who gives a f—— what you say? Buffalo Bills is an American team not a Canadian team. Go f—— Home," a man named Erik Coda responded.

"I'm glad the Bills haven't won the Super Bowl especially after finding out how unpatriotic most people in Buffalo are. At this rate just move the Bills to the CFL and give Austin a team since most people of Buffalo want to be Canadian so bad," said Phil Parkinson.

That geography is precisely what's at the heart of the dispute: depending on where one stands in the city, Buffalo is less than a mile from the Canadian border, and downtown Buffalo is about two to five miles from Canada — proximity that explains both the team's cross-border fanbase and the anthem tradition that sparked the uproar. The American national anthem was played after the Canadian one.