An anthem incident at Wrigley Field sparked an online debate about respect, First Amendment rights, and provoking more violence.
Sunday, the Chicago Cubs hosted the Minnesota Twins in interleague play and routed the visitors 10-1. All the action around the bases didn’t happen until after a slap accompanied the national anthem in a viral video that saw an older fan forcing a young attendee to stand for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Viewed more than 8 million times on the X account @LibOrNormal alone since it was posted Monday morning, the video featuring the caption “Stand up or get smacked!” begins with the older man leaning over the seat of the young man who appeared dumbstruck by the argument for him to “Get up!”
After leaning in closer to speak into the seated man’s ear — while spectators turned their attention away from the anthem to the dispute — the older man swat the back of the other guy’s head, prompting compliance with his demand.
Guy at a Chicago Cubs game refuses to stand during the National Anthem!
The guy behind him gets pissed and does this…. pic.twitter.com/C4iKqPX7Co
— Brandon (@LibOrNormal) July 20, 2026
The altercation comes after years of corporate media-backed protests, seemingly encouraging young athletes to follow the example of professionals taking a knee or storming off the field or court in opposition to support for Old Glory and what it represents.
As such, while the older man could be heard saying, “Thank you. Thank you so much, young man,” in the video, it was he who received gratitude from many online for stepping in to teach the seated fan a lesson.
“That JAGOFF got off easy. Try that commie crap at Comiskey or the old Stadium and the whole section would have given that sensitive fellow a few love taps. After that the Yellow Jackets would have been real careful he didn’t fall down the stairs on the way out,” wrote one, as another remarked, “the hand on the shoulder is sending me he really said stand up or we’re having a conversation [right now].”
That JAGOFF got off easy. Try that commie crap at Comiskey or the old Stadium and the whole section would have given that sensitive fellow a few love taps. After that the Yellow Jackets would have been real careful he didn’t fall down the stairs on the way out.
— JohnnyTango (@1JohnnyTango) July 21, 2026
the hand on the shoulder is sending me he really said stand up or we’re having a conversation rn
— lavvvv :33 (@lavthief) July 21, 2026
If I sat down during the national anthem I would expect to get clamp in the head! Actions have consequences. Unfortunately our country is going down the drain.
— AJB (@Mondobondage1) July 21, 2026
Class from Cubs fans?! What fucking reality is this?
Seriously though, well done. Would gladly sit next to this gent during a Cards/Cubs game.
— Media Illiterate (@BlocksRetards) July 21, 2026
The ONLY valid reason for not standing for our National Anthem is if your in a wheelchair.
This guy is obviously a dumbass. pic.twitter.com/JfcJyBvPRn
— JSMYogi (@JSM_Yogi) July 21, 2026
However, the support for the smack during The Jersey Girls’ performance of the national anthem was hardly unanimous. While it wasn’t known what the younger man’s reason was for sitting — and they likely wouldn’t have agreed with it anyway — a considerable number of reactions rose in defense of the right to stay seated. In fact, one social media user even likened the actions of the older man to alphabet activists attempting to force someone to “use their pronouns.”
“I guess its kind of like forcing someone to say a specific set of Pronouns. Compelled [speech] is wrong no matter what it is compelling. The principle holds here to. The guy should not be compelled to [‘speech’] about the flag by standing up…” wrote the user, as, according to TMZ, Chicago Police are aware of the incident, but a police report has not been filed.
I guess its kind of like forcing someone to say a specific set of Pronouns. Compelled speach is wrong no matter what it is compelling. The principle holds here to. The guy should not be compelled to “speach” about the flag by standing up…
— AdmiralPitts (@AdmiralPitts) July 20, 2026
So he doesn’t have the freedom to choose to sit down? Why force someone to stand who doesn’t want to. This is ridiculous. It’s not against the law to sit during the anthem and sitting doesnt justify a slap. If that guy slapped me like that his skull would have been cracked
— Martin Ezeugwu (@EzeugwuMartin) July 21, 2026
As much as I agree with patriotism and paying our respects, this doesn’t give you the right to put your hands on anyone.
If that guy would’ve reacted, he would’ve been well within his rights.
Boomers need to understand they’re not above consequences
— Dirk Sigler (@DirkSigle) July 21, 2026
The old dude should be charged with assault. While I stand and believe it is disrespectful, we live in America where that guy has the right to sit if he chooses.
— The Kig🇺🇲 (@akathekig) July 21, 2026
I mean, I get it. Disrespecting the flag/country/etc. However, you can’t just commit assault and battery on someone cuz they chose not to stand. Ur an adult, act like one and show some self-restraint.
— D***** F******* (@dfrevixv) July 20, 2026
Native of Brooklyn, NY, Kevin Haggerty is a graduate of Hunter College where he studied Cultural Anthropology and Geography. An avid reader and truth seeker, he currently resides in Texas with his wife and their dog and, when he isn't researching current events and their impacts, you'll find him spending time with friends and family or working on his next novel.
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