An older man at what appears to be a recent Cubs game took issue with a younger fan choosing to remain seated during the national anthem.
A video shared to X that has since gone viral shows an older man yelling “get up” to a younger man who was looking up at him during the anthem performance.
The man then leaned down to whisper something in the seated man’s ear before smacking him in the back of the head.
The younger man then stood up as onlookers turned to catch sight of what was going on, appearing surprised.
The older man said “Thank you, thank you so much young man” after the young fan followed his demand.
The video, which has reached over two million views, sparked debate in the replies, much like many anthem-related moments at sporting events have in the past.
Some defended the older man’s actions, holding the opinion that choosing to sit is disrespectful to the country, while others said he took things too far and striking someone over a decision they rightfully made was not the right call.
“It looks like no one standing around had a problem with this love tap reminding the dude, in case he forgot to show respect for our country,” one person commented.
“It’s his right to sit,” another countered. “That’s what this country is about, freedom. He’s still a d–he but this ain’t a dictatorship, either.”
Added another: “He shouldn’t have slapped the kid. Unless the kid was his grandson, nephew or such, and Pops was administering a respect lesson, keep your hands to yourself. Acceptance of such small acts leads up the ladder to bigger ones.”
As online debate continued to rage, legal experts noted that such an action can constitute battery under certain circumstances.
Charges depend on the facts of individual cases.
As of Monday, it seems the incident will fade into memory, but it remains to be seen whether further action is taken.
