The world, in perspective.

There’s no law requiring anyone to sing the national anthem. This isn’t North Korea, after all. But the confected outrage has a sinister subtext.

LeBron James incites the ire of the United States president for his actions during the national anthem in the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener.

Basketball icon LeBron James causes a stir with his actions during the American national anthem before an NBA game.

What led to LeBron James being labelled a disgrace by US President Donald Trump, who says NBA star disgraced anthem?

<img align='right' src='https://images.jpost.com/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy/q_auto/c_fill,g_faces:center,h_3607,w_5410/743240' alt='LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026 in New York City. (photo credit: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)' title='LeBron James #23

The basketball star recently appeared to be practising a golf swing and basketball shots while the national anthem was performed.

NBA superstar LeBron James criticised by US President ⁠Donald ⁠Trump for disrespctful behaviour during national anthem.

The Iranian national anthem was played for athletes from Taiwan and Mongolia, prompting Nagoya's mayor to apologise.

Wrong national anthems were played thrice at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, forcing the city's mayor to apologise after similar blunders at the Asian Games.

In sitting volleyball, the South Korean national anthem was played instead of the Chinese anthem ahead of a women's match between China and Iran.

The cacophony of boos that greet the Premier League and Champions League anthems before kick-off have now become a fixture at Etihad Stadium.