A US National Football League (NFL) quarterback has refused to stand for the national anthem in protest at what he sees as racial injustice.

Colin Kaepernick, who plays with the San Francisco 49ers, remained seated as the anthem was played.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour,” he explained.

Some fans booed the player when he took to the pitch.

But his team said they supported his right to protest, which took place as the 49ers hosted the Green Bay Packers in a pre-season game on Friday.

“We recognise the right of an individual to choose and participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem,” the team said.

Source: BBC Sport

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