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Cubs fan slaps spectator over national anthem at Wrigley Field

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 5:44 PM

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

Cubs fan slaps spectator over national anthem at Wrigley Field

Summary

During a game at Wrigley Field on Sunday, a physical altercation occurred over the national anthem. An older Cubs fan demanded that a younger man stand during the anthem. When the younger man remained seated, the older fan slapped the back of his head, which was captured on video and sparked widespread debate online. Reactions varied, with some supporting the older man's actions and others condemning the violence. No charges have been filed as of this week, and discussions around anthem etiquette continue.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•The altercation occurred during a Cubs game against the Minnesota Twins.
•The older fan was upset that the younger man was seated during the anthem.
•Video of the incident went viral, generating mixed reactions.
•Legal experts noted the possibility of the slap qualifying as battery.
•No charges have been reported following the incident.

Latest Updates

12:02 AMYahoo Sports — Cubs decline to take action against man who smacked fan for not standing during national anthem
5:44 PMYahoo Sports — Cubs Fan Slaps Seated Spectator for Not Standing During National Anthem, Video Ignites Nationwide Debate

What they're saying

"
Baseball games are supposed to be about hot dogs, home runs, and maybe a seventh-inning stretch that makes your knees hurt more than you’d like to admit. But this past weekend at Wrigley Field, the ... Read more
— Yahoo Sports