Cubs uphold victim’s wishes, declining disciplinary action after Wrigley Field anthem incident
The Chicago organisation has confirmed it will not pursue sanctions against a spectator who struck another for not standing during the national anthem, citing the victim’s explicit request to resolve the matter privately.
The Chicago Cubs have determined that no disciplinary measures will be taken against a fan who physically struck another spectator for refusing to stand during the national anthem at Wrigley Field. The decision follows a viral video capturing the confrontation prior to the club’s match against the Minnesota Twins, which showed an older fan slapping a younger fan in the head after being rebuffed for not standing.
Cubs security personnel engaged with the victim following the incident, which occurred before Sunday’s game. The affected fan explicitly stated he did not wish for the aggressor to be ejected or for further administrative action to be pursued. The organisation respected this position, noting that the matter had been resolved between the two individuals.
The older fan, who later spoke to Inside Edition, expressed regret for his physical reaction, admitting he overreacted and wished he could take the incident back. He revealed that the two men reconciled during the game, sharing beers and shaking hands. While he maintained his personal view that people should stand, he acknowledged the other fan’s right to choose, stating, "we fight for the rights of people and that’s one of his rights."
In a statement released via NBC Chicago, the Cubs reiterated its official stance on anthem protocols and safety standards. The club confirmed that its Fan Code of Conduct strictly prohibits physical confrontations and threatening behaviour. However, the organisation emphasised that fan safety and the wishes of those involved remain its top priorities in such instances.
"The National Anthem is an important tradition at Chicago Cubs games," a spokesperson said. "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 club concluded that its security team had addressed the issue directly with the victim, who confirmed he did not want further action taken.
