‘We are Europeans’: Fans fly Greenland flag during Olympic US-Denmark ice hockey game

Guardian Sport

by Associated Press and Guardian sport

February 14, 2026

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Two fans raised a Greenland flag during the US vs. Denmark men’s ice hockey game at the Winter Olympics, drawing attention to their gesture of European solidarity. Vita Kalniņa and her husband, Alexander Kalniņš, who are fans of Latvia’s hockey team and live in Germany, explained that they hoisted the flag as a show of support for Greenland and Denmark amid rising political tensions, particularly in response to recent rhetoric from US President Donald Trump. The couple displayed the flag during warmups and again when Denmark scored the opening goal of the game against the United States. Greenland, though not an independent country, has a unique cultural and historical connection to Denmark, which governs it. The fans’ gesture was seen as a symbolic act of unity, reflecting broader European sentiments and solidarity with the Danish team. Their actions sparked curiosity and discussion among spectators and media, highlighting how international sports events often serve as platforms for expressing political and cultural identities. The game itself saw the United States pull away after a slow start, ultimately securing a 6-3 victory over Denmark. While the focus of the match was on hockey, the fans’ flag-raising added an additional layer of significance, illustrating how sports can intersect with geopolitics and cultural narratives. The couple’s decision to showcase Greenland’s flag underscored their commitment to supporting European values and fostering international unity through sports. This incident

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/14/2026