The Green Bay Packers released a statement Tuesday asking fans attending their upcoming home game against the Chicago Bears to lock arms during the national anthem as a sign of unity.

"This Thursday during the national anthem at Lambeau Field, Packers players, coaches and staff will join together with arms intertwined—connected like the threads on your favorite jersey," the statement said. "When we take this action, what you will see will be so much more than just a bunch of football players locking arms.

"The image you will see on September 28th will be one of unity. It will represent a coming together of players who want the same things that all of us do—freedom, equality, tolerance, understanding, and justice for those who have been unjustly treated, discriminated against or otherwise treated unfairly."

The statement went on to say, "Let’s work together to build a society that is more fair and just."

"Join us this Thursday by locking arms with whoever you’re with, stranger or loved one, wherever you are—intertwined and included—in this moment of unification," it said.

The request comes on the heels of an extraordinary weekend of on-field gestures in response to President Donald Trump's condemnation of Colin Kaepernick and other NFL players who kneel during its playing in protest of racial injustices and other issues.

Players, coaches and executives across the league knelt, locked arms or even remained in the locker room during the playing of the anthem.

Trump set off a firestorm when he called for the "son of a bitch" players who don't stand for the anthem to be fired from their teams last week and tweeted repeatedly about the issue over the weekend. On Tuesday, he continued his fiery remarks against the protests, saying they made him feel "ashamed."

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers told reporters Tuesday the team would make the request after it held a meeting.

"It’s never been about the military or our men and women in uniform. Like I said after the game, we love and support them," Rodgers said. "We love them, and we’re thankful for the opportunity they give us."

The Packers (2-1) and Bears (1-2) are longtime NFC North rivals and are both coming off dramatic, overtime victories in week 3 of the NFL season.

Full statement: