Donald Trump has renewed his attack on NFL stars kneeling during the national anthem, by urging fans to stop going to games "until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country".

In tweets posted on Sunday morning, the US President told fans if they boycott matches "you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!"

He added: "...NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back US."

If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

...NFL attendance and ratings are WAY DOWN. Boring games yes, but many stay away because they love our country. League should back U.S. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

Mr Trump's latest criticisms of the protest brought an immediate response at Wembley Stadium, which hosted the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars, as at least a dozen players knelt during The Star-Spangled Banner.

A number of American football players kneel during the national anthem in protest against police brutality and racism pic.twitter.com/EdOYbKd0Pn — Sky News (@SkyNews) September 24, 2017

Image: At least a dozen players knelt during the US national anthem at Wembley Stadium

That followed the intervention of musician Stevie Wonder, who became the biggest single name to back the growing movement.


As he took the stage for the Global Citizen Festival, aimed at eliminating poverty, the blind singer knelt, joining the protest against racial injustice started by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Image: Stevie Wonder knelt with his son Kwame Wonder while performing in New York

The 67-year-old told the crowd: "Tonight, I'm taking a knee for America".

On Saturday night, the protest spread to another sport, as Major League Baseball player Bruce Maxwell knelt during the anthem before his team, the Oakland Athletics, played the Texas Rangers, and he later predicted more will follow.

Image: Bruce Maxwell became the first Major League Baseball player to join the protest

Maxwell tweeted: "Don't be surprised if you start seeing athletes kneeling in other sports now!! Comments like that coming from our president. WOW!"

Don't be surprised if you start seeing athletes kneeling in other sports now!! Comments like that coming from our president. WOW! ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 — Bruce T Maxwell (@bruu_truu13) September 23, 2017

Mr Trump's war of words with protesting athletes began at an election rally in Alabama on Friday, where he urged team owners to deal with them by getting "that son of a bitch off the field right now," and "fire them".

On Saturday, after criticisms of his remarks by NFL administrators and team bosses, Mr Trump upped the ante, tweeting: "Roger Goodell of NFL just put out a statement trying to justify the total disrespect certain players show to our country. Tell them to stand!"

Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017

The President has also got involved in a row with the NBA champions Golden State Warriors, after announcing that star player Stephen Curry would not be welcome at the White House for the traditional visit made by championship teams, because he was "hesitating".

That prompted Warriors coach Steve Kerr to publicly condemn Mr Trump's remarks as "divisive", while basketball legend LeBron James simply called the President a "bum".

U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up! — LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017

Several NFL stars have either knelt, sat or raised fists during the anthem to protest against police treatment of people of colour and social injustice, in a movement christened #takeaknee.

Image: Colin Kaepernick (C), began the protest against racial injustice in autumn 2016

During last week's round of games, four players sat or knelt during the anthem and two raised their fists, while others stood by the protesters in support and many are predicting more protests.