Vice President Mike Pence tweeted Sunday that he left the Indianapolis Colts game against the San Francisco 49ers because of protests during the national anthem.

No Colts players knelt during the anthem, but some 49ers players did.

Pence tweeted this statement:

"I left today's Colts game because President Trump and I will not dignify any event that disrespects our soldiers, our Flag, or our National Anthem. At at time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience, 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."

President Donald Trump said on Twitter he instructed Pence to leave the game if any players knelt.

► Fans react to Pence's move

► Doyel: This was planned all along

The NFL had no immediate response.

Pence was in town to recognize former Colts great Peyton Manning. This weekend, a statue for Manning was unveiled, his number was retired and his name was put in the team's Ring of Honor.

Also Sunday, CBS initially reported the Colin Kapenernick would stand for the national anthem should he have the opportunity to play in the NFL again. However, that report was amended and Kaepernick quoted Winston Churchill in a tweet: "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chacne to get its pants on."

Kaepernick sat for the anthem, then knelt, last season, sparking national debate over social awareness by NFL players and respect for the flag and national anthem.

Here's reaction to Pence's move: