NBC under fire after failing to show National Anthem ahead of Rams-Eagles playoff game: ‘Pathetic’

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: NFL fans are left fuming at NBC after the network failed to air the National Anthem before Sunday's NFL playoff game between the Philadelphia Eagles and visiting Los Angeles Rams.

The latest controversy comes on the heels of a similar incident when a network failed to show 'The Star-Spangled Banner' ahead of an important match, as reported by Daily Mail.

Dissidence grew as the Rams played the game, even as wildfires wreaked havoc and devastation back in Los Angeles.

NBC fails to air National Anthem ahead of Rams-Eagles playoffs

On Sunday, January 19, the Eagles hosted the Rams during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field. 

However, as the match started, several users took to social media to call out NBC's decision to not air the National Anthem ahead of the game. It was even more poignant for the fans as the time required for solidarity among fans, was just at the heels of the devastation caused by the LA fire. 

With ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ being the ultimate icon of national solidarity and support, the failure to air the National Anthem created a sense of dissent among the fans, as they took to the internet to raise their voice against the stance adopted by the channel. 

This is, however, the second time a network has come under fire for not showing the National Anthem. 

Earlier in the month, ESPN received heavy criticism for not broadcasting the National Anthem before the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, which was rescheduled in the wake of the terror attack on New Year’s Day which killed 14 people in the city.

Following the backlash, ESPN chief Burke Magnus admitted that the network made “an enormous mistake” by not showing the National Anthem before the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

The network courted criticism after they neither showed the National Anthem nor the moment of silence for the ones who lost their lives in the terror attack. Magnus, however, blamed “human error” after they skipped the anthem before Notre Dame faced Georgia at Caesars Superdome.

Magnus, however, said that the channel should be “accountable," during ‘The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show’ and explained, “There are a group of people in Bristol who just made an enormous mistake.”

“It was a human error, it happens. I don't want to minimize it by any stretch but nothing was normal about that next day - including our programming lineup,” added Magnus. 

According to Daily Mail, previously the networks rarely aired the National Anthem except before the Super Bowl or major championships, and players weren't required to be present on the field during the Anthem.

Nevertheless, following a few changes, the players are required to “stand and show respect for the flag” if they are present on the field during the Anthem. 

They, however, do have the right to remain in the locker room if they choose.

Fans slam NBC for not showing National Anthem

Social media users were extremely unhappy with NBC as they called the network out for not showing the National Anthem when the city needed an emotional boost in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles fire. 

One of the social media users slammed, "@NBCSports Y’all and the @NFL are a disgrace and total losers for not showing the national anthem for the Rams v Eagles. Wow."

"Did the @NFL and @NBCSports NOT show the National Anthem on TV prior to the Eagles/Rams game? That's so wrong!" slammed someone else.

Another fan noted, "I'm extremely disappointed @NBCSports did not broadcast the national anthem, especially in light of what has happened in the last two weeks with the wildfires in LA. Obviously, NBC does not know how to stay classy."

"Absolute shame on @SNFonNBC @nbc for not showing the national anthem for the @Eagles game. Pathetic," declared another social media user. 

Someone else vented out, "Why can’t we see the national anthem before the football games @NBC @NFLonCBS @NFL ?????? You people are un-American!!!!"

"A big fat "F" for NBC and Tirico for not playing the National anthem before the Rams and Eagles NFL game," chimed in another disgruntled fan.

Someone else mused, "Has NBC learned nothing? No coverage of National Anthem ? WTF."

"Sham on NBC for not showing the National Anthem before Rams-Eagles," added someone else.

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