A mariachi band’s performance of the US national anthem before the Chicago Bears–Philadelphia Eagles game prompted heated online debate, including accusations of racism and criticism of the NFL’s choice of performers. The article says the argument drew in Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, who defended the group.

The Chicago-based, two-time Grammy-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México performed as part of the Bears’ and NFL’s Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month celebrations. Some listeners objected to the arrangement’s unexpected ending or questioned the choice in connection with the heritage celebration, while others praised it; band leader Alonso Orozco Jr. described the negative response as racist. The article suggests broader concerns about the NFL taking games abroad may have shaped some reactions, while noting that some online comments were plainly unkind.