US footballer Colin Kaepernick refuses to stand for national anthem again

• By Jamie Roberton: Washington Producer

An American football player is continuing to refuse to stand for the national anthem in protest against the treatment of black people in the US.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked controversy last Friday when he remained seated during the The Star Spangled Banner before a match against the Green Bay Packers.

Mr Kaepernick - this time joined by team-mate Eric Reid - continued his protest on Thursday by kneeling during the anthem, prompting boos and angry shouts from the crowd.

The 28-year-old has vowed to continue his protest until race relations are improved.

Video report from ITV News Washington correspondent Robert Moore:

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour," he told NFL media.

"To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way - there are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

His protest has divided opinion, with many fans accusing him of being unpatriotic and disrespectful.

"It's a disgrace," one fan said.

"He's pretty much saying he doesn't care for our country. Last time I checked, the military defended our country so this is a slap in the face for them."

Another said: "To get paid that much money and then to do something like that. There is other ways of showing how you feel than doing something as disrespectful as that."

But others have defended his right to protest however he sees fit - arguing: "It's a free country."

One, himself a former soldier, said he disagreed with Kaepernick's reasons for protest, but added: "We have all fought for that right, for him to believe whatever he wants to believe. I'm sorry that he feels that way, but he has that right."

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, is among those to voice criticism of Mr Kaepernick.

"I think it's a terrible thing, and you know, maybe he should find a country that works better for him. Let him try. It won't happen."

It's a different story again online, where Mr Kaepernick has been praised for his position. Many military veterans have used the hashtag #veteransforkaepernick to show their support.

The 49ers said they recognised their player's right to "choose to participate, or not, in our celebration of the national anthem."