The Tenors apologise for 'O Canada' rendition

A Canadian vocal quartet were forced to apologise after one of their members altered a section of the lyrics to the Canadian national anthem to support the 'All Lives Matter' cause before Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game, resulting in a backlash across social media.

In the middle of their rendition, Canadian group The Tenors surprised the crowd at Petco Park by singing: "We're all brothers and sisters, all lives matter to the Great ... ," a diversion from the bar that traditionally begins, "With glowing hearts we see thee rise ..."

The group said one of its members, Remigio Pereira, operated as "a lone wolf" in changing the lyrics "to serve his own political views".

He has been suspended until further notice, the group said.

"The other members of the group are shocked and embarrassed" by Pereira's actions, The Tenors said in a statement. "Our sincere apologies and regrets go out to everybody who witnessed this shameful act, to our fellow Canadians, to Major League Baseball, to our friends, families, fans and to all those affected."

The incident followed a week in which the fatal shootings of two black men and five white police officers sparked racial unrest and protests across the United States.

On Saturday, members of the Women's NBA team Minnesota Lynx wore 'Black Lives Matter' shirts during pre-game warm-ups in response to the tragedies.