A Greenland Flag Raises Political Questions Amid Olympic Hockey Match

During the Winter Olympics in Milan, Latvian fans displayed a Greenland flag during a U.S.-Denmark hockey match to symbolize European support for Greenland. Their act highlights political tensions, particularly sentiments against U.S. rhetoric on Greenland. Despite venue staff objections, the fans felt their message was conveyed.

Two fans made headlines at the Winter Olympics in Milan by raising a Greenland flag during a men's hockey match between the United States and Denmark. Vita Kalnina and her husband Alexander Kalninš, both Latvian fans residing in Germany, displayed the flag as a sign of European solidarity with Greenland and Denmark.

The political undertone came amid tensions stirred by recent U.S. rhetoric about taking control of Greenland, an island currently overseen by Denmark. Although initially asked by venue staff to remove the flag for safety reasons, particularly in anticipation of aggressive American responses, the couple complied but believes their message of support for Greenland was seen and felt widely.

The act came into focus as the Danish team faced the U.S. in a hockey game, which ended in a victory for the U.S. At the same time, Danish athletes emphasized their focus on the sport rather than politics. Meanwhile, fans from both sides expressed that sports should transcend political disagreements, emphasizing the pure competitive spirit of the Games.