President Obama appeared to back Colin Kaepernick’s silent national anthem protest on Monday as he told a G20 press conference he understands the NFL star’s motivation.

While speaking after the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, the president said that the 49ers quarterback is 'exercising his constitutional right' by not standing during the national anthem for his team's preseason games in protest against racial injustice in the country.

Kaepernick has come under fire from some people offended by his decision not to stand during the national anthem before San Francisco's games.

Obama said that since he's been in China, he hasn't been paying attention to football or following the issue closely.

'My understanding is that he's exercising his constitutional right to make a statement,' Obama said in response to what the NFL player is doing.

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President Obama (above) said that he understands NFL star Colin Kaepernick and his silent national anthem protest

Of the NFL player, Obama said: 'My understanding is that he's exercising his constitutional right to make a statement'

Kaepernick has come under fire from some people offended by his decision not to stand during the national anthem before San Francisco's games

'There's a long history of sports figures doing so, I think there are a lot of ways you can do it.

'As a general matter, when it comes to the flag and the national anthem and the meaning that that holds for the men and women in uniform and those who've fought for us, that is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are.

The president added that he doesn't doubt Kapernick's sincerity.

'I think he cares about some real legitimate issues that have to be talked about,' Obama said.

'He's generated more conversation around some topics that have to be talked about.

Colin Kaepernick (middle) and teammate Eric Reid (left, behind the standing staff member) kneel down during the national anthem on September 1

U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe (pictured) knelt during the national anthem Sunday night before the Seattle Reign's match with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League

'You've heard me talk about in the past for the need for us to have an active citizen.

'I'd rather have young people who are engaged in the argument... than people who are just sitting on the sidelines and not paying attention at all.'

Obama said that maybe some of the people who are criticizing the football player will eventually start seeing that 'he has a point.'

'My suspicion is that over time he's going to refine how he thinks about it and maybe some of his critics will start seeing that he has a point,' the president said.

'That's how we move forward, sometimes it's messy but it's the way democracy works.'

Obama's comments on Kaepernick come less than a day after U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe knelt during the national anthem Sunday night before the Seattle Reign's 2-2 tie with the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women's Soccer League.

Rapinoe, 31, said it was an intentional move designed to show her support for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's ongoing protest against racial injustice in the U.S.

'It's the least I can do. Keep the conversation going,' Rapinoe tweeted, after earlier telling American Soccer Now it was 'a nod to Kaepernick'.

Rapinoe is a midfielder for Seattle Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League - the highest women's club competition in the U.S.

'It's the least I can do. Keep the conversation going,' Rapinoe tweeted, after earlier saying it was 'a nod to Kaepernick'

Seattle Seahawks player Jeremy Lane (left and circled above) refused to stand during the national anthem ahead of the team's game with Oakland on September 1

The football player was joined by teammate Eric Reid in kneeling, and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremey Lane sat down during the playing of the national anthem at another preseason game last week.

Kaepernick, 31, explained his decision not to stand for the anthem after the 49ers final preseason game last week.

'I'm not anti-American. I love America. I love people. That's why I'm doing this,' the quarterback said.

'I want to help make America better, and I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from.

'We have a lot of people that aren't treated equally, that aren't given equal opportunities.

'Police brutality is a huge thing that needs to be addressed. There are a lot of issues that need to be talked about.'

Members of the Santa Clara Police Officers' Association threatened last week to stop staffing 49ers games if Kaepernick continues his national anthem protest.

Officers say they are offended at Kaepernick's comments about police brutality and that if the organization does not stop him 'it could result in police officers choosing not to work at your facilities.'

Santa Clara Police Chief Michael Sellers said in a statement Saturday that he will work with the officers association and the 49ers to find a solution.

Sellers says that while he and many in the law enforcement community have been saddened and angered by Kaepernick's words and actions, he will ensure the police department continues to provide a safe environment at Levi's Stadium.

The move comes after Kaepernick spoke out about his protest following the Niners game against the Chargers on Thursday, insisting he is 'not anti-American' and will donate his first $1million earned this year to charity.