Canadian Quartet Changes Lyrics to ‘O Canada' at MLB All-Star Game in Petco Park

Fans attending the game were upset saying the quartet should not be making a political statement

A member of the Canadian quartet The Tenors changed the lyrics to the country's national anthem during the MLB All-Star Game at Petco Park in San Diego on Tuesday.

Member Remigio Pereira pulled out a sign that read "All Lives Matter" while singing "O Canada" and also changed a line of the anthem to the same statement. "United We Stand" was written on the back of his sign.

Some people attending the game told NBC 7 that they agreed with Pereira.

"My thoughts are, 'thats right all lives do matter,'" said Salvador Rodriguez.

According to Rodriquez, the crowd cheered when Pereira held up the sign.

But others were upset with the incident, saying the quartet should not be making a political statement using their national anthem.

"All Lives Matter" has recieved heavy criticism as proponents of the "Black Lives Matter" movement believe the statement minimizes the problems specifically facing black people.

Earlier on Tuesday, about two dozen people peacefully gathered near Petco Park for a "Black Lives Matter" protest. The protest was not related to this incident.

Critics took to social media to express their thoughts about the incident. 

The Tenors, based in British Columbia, posted an apology on Twitter, saying Pereira had acted alone during the singing of the Canadian national anthem by changing the lyrics and holding up the sign. They also stated that the member will not be performing with the group until further notice.

The other members of The Tenors are Fraser Walters, Clifton Murray and Victor Micallef. The quartet has performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, the 2012 Queen's Jubilee in England and the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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