Two countries booed at Winter Olympics opening ceremony despite stern warning

It’s that time of year when a university-like campus is filled with some of the best athletes from around the world and we all become hooked on sports we’d never normally give a second thought.

Yep, it’s Olympics time LADs, with the Winter games having its opening ceremony in Milan last night (6 February).

But while it’s normally quite literally just fun and games to watch, there was some tension in the air as when two countries walked out for their entrance, they faced boo’ing from the crowd.

And this still came after a stern warning for spectators in Italy.

There may already be some bizarre scandals around this year’s sporting event and certain athletes getting certain rules, but last night’s frosty reception was (unsurprisingly) more of a political thing.

Israel had a mixed response. (Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP via Getty Images)

During the parade of nations in the San Siro stadium, the four athletes representing Israel were reportedly greeted with boos as well as cheers. It is said there was a ‘security detail’ following the team.

This comes as tensions of the Gaza genocide carried out by Israel continue.

But the more widely-reported and audible boo’ing last night came during the US team’s walk.

However, this wasn’t necessarily aimed at the country itself but rather the vice-president, JD Vance, and his wife, Usha, as TV cameras cut to them as they waved American flags.

There were boos, jeers and a bit of applause from the crowd.

During CBC’s broadcast for Canada, one of its commentators said: “There is the vice-president JD Vance and his wife Usha – oops, those are not … uh … those are a lot of boos for him. Whistling, jeering, some applause.”

This reaction to Vance did not quite reflect the ceremony’s concept of ‘armonia’ (meaning harmony) and went against the warning given by IOC president Kirsty Coventry earlier this week, as tensions around the US’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids rise.

Vance's appearance was met by boo's. (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

When asked what her message would be to those who might think of boo’ing the US athletes at the ceremony, she said: “I hope that the opening ceremony is seen by everyone as an opportunity to be respectful. When we went to the [athletes’] village, that is just the best reminder of how we all should be, because you see athletes from every walk of life.

"No-one’s asking what country they come from, what religion, they’re all just hanging out, and it was so cool to see, and a real opportunity to put into perspective what we could be. I hope the Opening Ceremony will be a reminder of what we could be."

This comes as tensions towards ICE continue with widespread protests, as there were reports the agency would be in operation in Milano-Cortina receiving backlash.

Mayor of the Italian city, Beppe Sala, has joined those condemning ICE, as he described it as a ‘militia that kills’.

The LADbible Group has contacted NBC Universal News Group for comment.