U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence left an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Indianapolis after about a dozen San Francisco players took a knee during the national anthem.
The former Indiana governor flew in so he could watch Peyton Manning's jersey retirement ceremony. But Pence didn't stick around long.
Pence said 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."
The White House also issued a statement from Pence, in which he says Americans should rally around the flag. Pence said: "I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem."
Some NFL players have been kneeling during the national anthem to bring more attention to the killings of black men by police officers and other social injustices.
Pence is a noted sports fan, and this was the second major event he had attended in his home state since taking office in January. He also attended May's Indianapolis 500, a family tradition.
NFL says kneeling message has been 'overtaken by political forces'
Reporter clarifies after saying Colin Kaepernick would stand for anthem if signed by NFL club
Manning will become the first Indianapolis-era player in Colts history to have his number retired, and will also be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.
Pence flew in on Saturday after a statue of Manning was unveiled, an event attended by a number of luminaries including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Pence spent most of Saturday honouring victims of the Las Vegas shooting before returning to his home state.