Vice President Mike Pence left an NFL game Sunday after several players took a knee during the national anthem.

Pence left the Indianapolis Colts game after around 20 players from the San Francisco 49ers knelt during the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner.” The vice president, following in the footsteps of President Donald Trump, criticized the players for their disrespect on Twitter.

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. — Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017

At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience… — Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017

…now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us… — Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017

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 — Vice President Pence (@VP) October 8, 2017

He concluded his posts with a simple statement: “I stand with President Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and our National Anthem.”

Since the president suggested in a recent speech that players who fail to stand for the national anthem should be fired, players on teams across the NFL have taken a knee in protest. The issue has become extremely divisive in recent weeks.

While some other teams have decided to stand, others continue to kneel for the anthem.

The vice president was reportedly acting on his principles as well as the orders of the president, according to a tweet from Trump.

I asked @VP Pence to leave stadium if any players kneeled, disrespecting our country. I am proud of him and @SecondLady Karen. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2017

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WATCH ALL BUT ONE STEELER STAY IN THE LOCKER ROOM FOR THE ANTHEM:



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