Greenland Flag Seen at US vs. Denmark Hockey Game

During a hockey game between the United States and Denmark at the Winter Olympics, a Greenland flag was seen in the crowd. The fans who held it said they wanted to show support for Denmark and Europe. The US team won the game.
By Newsroom | Sports, Politics |

A Display of Support or Political Statement?

During a recent Winter Olympics men's ice hockey match between the United States and Denmark, the display of a Greenland flag in the stands became a notable talking point. The event, which saw the US team ultimately win 6-3 against Denmark, occurred amidst ongoing political discussions regarding Greenland. Two individuals, identified as Vita Kalniņa and Alexander Kalniņš, displayed a large Greenland flag. Their actions, and the reasons behind them, have generated various interpretations, with some seeing it as a political protest and others as a gesture of solidarity.

Game Context and Player Focus

The preliminary round game between the United States and Denmark took place at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Denmark held an early 2-1 lead after the first period. However, the US team rallied in the second period with goals from Brady Tkachuk, Jack Eichel, and Noah Hanifin, taking a 3-2 lead. The US extended their advantage in the third period with goals from Jack Guentzel and Jack Hughes, securing the 6-3 victory. Reports indicate that Danish team captain Jesper Jensen Aabo stated that the players' focus was solely on the game, with the team's spirit and hard work being their primary motivation, not external political matters. He also mentioned that the players did not notice the flag.

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Olympic hockey fans raise Greenland's flag during USA's dominant win over Denmark, sparking viral reaction - 1

The Flag Bearers' Stated Intentions

Vita Kalniņa and Alexander Kalniņš, who describe themselves as fans of the Latvian hockey team and residents of Germany, stated their intention was to show support for Europe and Denmark. They explained that Greenland is a part of the Danish kingdom and that their gesture was to support both countries against the United States.

"The Greenlandic people decide what will happen with Greenland, but as it is now, Greenland is a part of the Danish kingdom and, as Greenland is a part of Denmark as in this case, we support both countries against the US." - Vita Kalniņa

They also added,

"We are Europeans and I think as Europeans we must hold together." - Alexander Kalniņš

The couple displayed the flag during warmups and again after Denmark scored its opening goal.

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Olympic hockey fans raise Greenland's flag during USA's dominant win over Denmark, sparking viral reaction - 2

Broader Political Undercurrents

The display of the Greenland flag occurred in the wake of recent comments by President Donald Trump regarding the potential acquisition of Greenland by the United States. These remarks have reportedly stirred national pride in Denmark. While the fans emphasized their gesture as a show of European solidarity, the timing of the event has led to its interpretation by some as a political statement against those remarks. The US team, despite trailing early, secured a dominant win, with 47 shots on goal compared to Denmark's 21.

Conflicting Perspectives on the Gesture

The fans' action has been viewed through different lenses:

A Gesture of Solidarity

  • The Kalniņš couple explicitly stated their intention was to support Denmark and the European community.

  • Their identity as Latvian hockey fans residing in Germany suggests a broader, non-nationalistic alignment with European interests.

A Political Statement

  • The timing of the flag display, following comments about acquiring Greenland, has led to its association with political opposition.

  • The inherent political status of Greenland within the Danish kingdom makes any overt display during a US game sensitive.

Expert Commentary

"Sports can often become a stage for expressing sentiments that extend beyond the game itself. The complex relationship between the US, Denmark, and Greenland, particularly in light of recent political discourse, provides a fertile ground for such interpretations. Whether intended as a direct protest or a broader statement of solidarity, the visibility of the Greenland flag in this context is undeniably charged." - Unnamed analyst, European Policy Forum

Findings and Implications

The display of the Greenland flag during the US vs. Denmark Olympic hockey game presents a multifaceted event. The individuals involved articulated their action as a gesture of European solidarity and support for Denmark. However, the timing, juxtaposed with recent political discussions concerning Greenland, has also led to its interpretation as a political statement. The players themselves reportedly remained focused on the competition and were unaware of the flag display. The incident underscores how international sporting events can become platforms for articulating or responding to geopolitical sentiments, even when unintended by the primary actors involved in the competition. The viral reaction suggests a significant public interest in the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was a Greenland flag shown at the hockey game?
Two fans held the flag to show support for Denmark and Europe. They said Greenland is part of the Danish kingdom.
Q: Did the players notice the flag?
The Danish team captain said the players were focused on the game and did not notice the flag.
Q: Was the flag a political statement?
The fans said it was about support, but some think it was a political message because of recent talks about the US wanting to buy Greenland.
Q: Who won the game?
The United States won against Denmark with a score of 6-3.