Players in the National Football League (NFL) have taken part in widespread protests in response to US President Donald Trump's comments urging that those who fail to stand during the national anthem should be fired or suspended. Mr Trump's remarks, made at a rally on Friday, referred to a protest movement started by player Colin Kaepernick against racial injustice and police violence.
During Sunday's games, players and entire teams knelt, sat, or linked arms during the anthem. The Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans both remained in their locker rooms, while the Pittsburgh Steelers did the same. Fans booed in several stadiums, including at the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans games.
The NFL criticised Mr Trump, with commissioner Roger Goodell stating that 'divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect'. Eric Winston, president of the NFL Players' Association, called the remarks 'a slap in the face to the civil rights heroes of the past and present'.
Protests also extended to other sports: Oakland Athletics' Bruce Maxwell became the first Major League Baseball player to kneel during the anthem, and the Golden State Warriors were disinvited from the White House after star Stephen Curry expressed reluctance to attend.
