NFL players at games all over America choose to kneel during the National Anthem after Donald Trump said he would ‘love’ to see them sacked.
NFL players demonstrated defiance towards Donald Trump on Sunday with various protests during the American national anthem.
A handful of players had previously knelt or raised fists during the national anthem over perceived racial injustice and on Friday Trump attacked those kneeling, calling for club owners to ‘ fire ‘ those players.
However, week 3 of the NFL season saw widespread protests on Sunday, beginning with over 20 players taking a knee in London, at Wembley, before the Jacksonville Jaguars’ victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens players kneel for the American national anthem ahead of the NFL International Series match against Jacksonville Jaguars.
Back in the States, the anthem was played at the Nissan Stadium in Tennessee where some teams went even further with both the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks squads remaining in the locker rooms during the singing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’.
A statement from the Seahawks read: “As a team, we have decided we will not participate in the national anthem. We will not stand for the injustice that has plagued people of colour in this country.
The Pittsburgh Steelers stayed in their locker room for the national anthem ahead of their game with Chicago Bears in protest at comments by President Trump.
“Our of love for our country and in honour of the sacrifices made on our behalf, we unite to oppose those that would deny our most basic freedoms. We remain committed in continuing to work towards equality and justice for all.”
Source: Sky News