Mike Pence leaves NFL game after about 20 San Francisco 49ers take a knee during anthem

“I left today’s Colts game because @POTUS and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem,” Pence tweeted.

According to reports from the game, at least 20 members of the San Francisco 49ers took a knee during the national anthem.

The team has been the center of controversy for about a year after former quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the anthem to protest police brutality and racism.

Since then President Trump has taken an interest in the issue, tweeting about it numerous times since the beginning of the NFL season. The protests have since morphed into a sort of anti-Trump protest, in addition to their previous motivations.

Pence later said this is not the time to make such protests in a statement was tweeted in a graphic design.

“At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience,” Pence tweeted, “now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us.”

“While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don’t think it’s too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem. I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem.”

Later on, Pence tweeted a photo of himself standing for the anthem.