Donald Trump launches tirade at NFL players protesting during national anthem
Last Updated: 23/09/17 3:11pm
Donald Trump has launched a foul-mouthed tirade at NFL players who protest during the playing of the national anthem at games.
The American president has urged team owners to fire athletes who take a knee or raise a fist during the anthem.
The protests began last year when quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the anthem in protest against perceived racial injustice and police brutality.
Speaking at a rally in Alabama, Trump said: "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a b**** off the field right now, out, he's fired. He's fired!'.
"You know, some owner is going to do that. He's going to say, 'That guy that disrespects our flag, he's fired.' And that owner, they don't know it (but) they'll be the most popular person in this country."
Several more players have since followed Kaepernick's example, while the former 49ers quarter-back has been unable to land a job with a team this season.
Trump encouraged NFL fans to walk out of the stadium if they see players protesting during the pre-game anthem.
"When people like yourselves turn on television and you see those people taking the knee when they're playing our great national anthem. The only thing you could do better is if you see it, even if it's one player, leave the stadium.
"I guarantee things will stop. Things will stop. Just pick up and leave. Pick up and leave. Not the same game anymore, anyway."
A number of players took to social media to respond to Trump's intervention, Redskins linebacker Zach Brown tweeted to say: 'Trump - stay in your place... football has nothing to do with you. smh (shaking my head).
Minnesota Vikings running back Bishop Sankey said: 'SMH and all because Kaepernick is exercising his right as an American citizen to protest'.
Detriot Lions tight end Eric Ebron added: 'Does anyone tell Trump to stick to politics, like they tell us to stick to sports? SMH'.
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