A Chicago Cubs fan who smacked another spectator who did not stand for The Star-Spangled Banner is speaking out after a video of the incident went viral.
A Chicago Cubs fan who smacked another spectator who did not stand for The Star-Spangled Banner is speaking out after a video of the incident went viral.
The video drew strong and divided reactions on social media, with public opinion split on the older man’s actions.
Now, he has spoken out on the incident, which happened during the 10-1 win against the Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field on Sunday, in various interviews.
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Robert Chavez claimed that an important element of the story is missing.
In the video, he is seen yelling at the younger man – who was not identified – for his refusal to rise out of his seat.
‘I was telling him, “Please stand up”, you know, “have some respect”,’ Chavez told Inside Edition.
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A Chicago Cubs fan has spoken out after a video captured him striking another fan in the back of the head for his refusal to stand for the national anthem before a game at Wrigley Field
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Robert Chavez says he regrets hitting the younger fan, but said the two of them made up
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Should respect for the anthem ever justify physical confrontation at a public event?
After the younger man didn’t comply with Chavez’s demands, he was hit in the head by the senior.
He continued to bark at the younger man – as well as others who were stunned by his actions and looked to defend the recipient of the smack.
Chavez told TMZ that he informed the young man of his status as a veteran of the Vietnam War and even rattled him with some stories from the conflict – all to no avail.
But looking back on the incident, Chavez admitted that he shouldn’t have resorted to physical violence.
‘Oh yes, definitely. I wish I could,’ he told Inside Edition when asked if he wanted to take back the slap.
‘Because, you know, even though I fought in Vietnam and I had buddies killed, you know, I mean, we fight for the rights of the people, and that’s one of his rights.’
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Before the slap, the older man had leaned over the young man to demand he stands up
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The incident sparked a debate online over Chavez’s actions and whether he was justified
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The Cubs say they encourage all fans to stand for the anthem but they ‘respect the rights of individuals to decide for themselves’
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Chavez then added: ‘Later on, during the game, next thing you know, he’s buying me a beer. We talked, we shook hands.’
A spokesman for the Cubs told TMZ, ‘The National Anthem is an important tradition at Chicago Cubs games. While we respect the rights of individuals to decide for themselves, we encourage every fan to stand, if they are able, and to remove their caps while the anthem is being played.’
The statement continued: ‘At the same time, the safety and security of our fans is our top priority. Our security team spoke with the fan who had been struck.
‘He indicated that the matter had been resolved, he did not want to have anyone ejected from the ballpark or any further action taken, and we respected his wishes.’
Cubs fans did eventually go home happy, with the team scoring 11 runs in a dominant win over the Twins.
Heading into Wednesday night’s game against the Tigers – also at Wrigley Field – Chicago is 57-44 for the season, sitting second in the NL Central standings.