Donald Trump has claimed that his comments on NFL stars kneeling during the US national anthem are "nothing to do with race".

The President urged fans to stop going to games "until players stop disrespecting our flag and country".

He also tweeted that any players who do kneel should be fired or suspended.

Trump: Flag comments not about race

Players have been kneeling during The Star-Spangled Banner at the beginning of NFL games to draw attention to what they say is racism against African-Americans by police.

When asked to confirm whether he thought players who knelt should be fired, he said: "It's very disrespectful to our flag and to our country, so I certainly think the owners should do something about it."


Mr Trump added: "This has nothing to do with race or anything else. This has to do with respect for our country and respect for our flag."

Image: Dozens of American Football players sat, knelt or raised their fists before 13 games on Sunday Image: Players from both sides knelt during the US national anthem at the NFL game at Wembley in London Image: Kansas City Chiefs stars also knelt before their game against Los Angeles Chargers Image: Fans held their own protest outside US Bank Stadium in Minnesota Image: Cincinnati Bengals locked arms before their game against Green Bay Packers Image: It was the biggest display of strength of feeling across the NFL since the protests began in 2016 Image: President Trump said kneeling during the anthem was 'very disrespectful to the flag' Image: Almost all of the Denver Broncos knelt before their game against the Buffalo Bills Image: New England Patriots' players took part too Image: Singer Stevie Wonder knelt with his son Kwame Wonder while performing in New York /

The President's earlier comments resulted in a stream of protests from figures within the NFL and acting community.

More than 150 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance during the league's 13 games on Sunday - the biggest display of strength of feeling since the protests began in 2016.

Others stood but linked arms in an apparent show of solidarity.

More #TakeTheKnee protests in NFL

Among those taking part were NFL players at a Wembley Stadium game between the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars.

After kneeling during the US national anthem, players stood up for God Save The Queen.

Singer Stevie Wonder has backed the growing movement, which has been christened #takeaknee.

If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

Great solidarity for our National Anthem and for our Country. Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad ratings! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

In a tweet, Mr Trump said: "Standing with locked arms is good, kneeling is not acceptable. Bad Ratings!"

Avengers actor Chadwick Boseman was among those from the acting community who spoke out in solidarity, saying: "We're in a period of time where people have to decide what is patriotism.

"For the President of the United States to say that people can't... they can't display their version of patriotism. Because all that people are saying is... that America should live up to what its creed is. That's it.

Image: The Cincinnati Bengals stand with arms locked as a sign of protest

"Until it does that, until black men are not brutalized in the street and treated unfairly, I'm going to acknowledge that it's not doing that. That is still an acknowledgement of the flag."

Robert Kraft, chairman of the New England Patriots, also condemned the President's comments and backed the players.

He said: "I am deeply disappointed by the tone of the comments made by the President on Friday. I am proud to be associated with so many players who make such tremendous contributions in positively impacting our communities.

Sports fans should never condone players that do not stand proud for their National Anthem or their Country. NFL should change policy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

"Our players are intelligent, thoughtful and care deeply about our community and I support their right to peacefully affect social change."

However, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones claimed the field was "not the place to do anything but honour the flag".

The movement started more than a year ago when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Collin Kaepernick refused to stand during the national anthem.