Beyonce made a surprise appearance at the Sports Illustrated ceremony where she presented Colin Kaepernick with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.

The artist and activist honoured the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback with the award for using his platform to protest against police brutality and racial injustice, including the powerful, symbolic moment where he sparked the 'take a knee' movement by kneeling during the US national anthem before games.

After the first time he sat out during the national anthem, Kaepernick explained at a press conference: "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people, and people of colour.

"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."

As she thanked Kaepernick on stage, Beyonce said: "Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion, only hope to change the world for the better; to change perception; to change the way we treat each other, especially people of colour. We're still waiting for the world to catch up."

She also addressed the criticism, which was exacerbated by US President Donald Trump, of sports players who chose to kneel during the national anthem, as some claimed it was a sign of disrespect to the military and to the American flag.

Colin Kaepernick wins Sports Illustrated's Muhammed Ali Legacy Award: 'I will continue to work for the people'

After Trump referred to those kneeling as "sons of bitches", entire teams began linking arms or kneeling as a display of solidarity.

"It's been said that racism is so American that when we protest racism, some assume we're protesting America. So let's be very clear," Beyonce said. "Colin has always been very respectful of the individuals who selflessly serve and protect our country and our communities and our families. His message is solely focused on social injustice for historically disenfranchised people. Let's not get that mistaken."

Accepting the award, Kaepernick said: "With or without the NFL's platform, I will continue to work for the people because my platform is the people."