San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has ignited a political firestorm in his native USA after refusing to stand for the rendition of the US national anthem during a pre season game.
Kaepernick remained seated as the Star Spangled banner was played before his side took on the Green Bay Packers in a pre-season game Friday.
The 28 year old’s action was booed by some fans as he took to the pitch, and it has since attained epic proportions as people express outrage over the perceived disrespect to the nation’s anthem.
Kaepernick, though, has explained that his action was meant as a protest against the continued injustice of the murder of numerous unarmed African Americans by the police.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour,” Kaepernick told NFL Media
“To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.
“There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” he added.
His team, the 49ers, are not taking any action against Colin, saying in a statement that whilst “The national anthem is and always will be a special part of the pre-game ceremony…We recognise the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem,”
The league itself said players are encouraged to stand during the anthem, but it’s by no means a strict requirement.