NFL rule bids to bring to an end protests at anthem

The NFL has moved to end on-field protests during the national anthem by introducing a new rule which states players must either stand on the sidelines or remain in the locker room.

The rule change was enacted by a vote of team owners during the Spring League Meeting yesterday.

It states that “a club will be fined by the League if its personnel are on the field and do not stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem”, and that commissioner Roger Goodell “will impose appropriate discipline on league personnel who do not stand and show respect for the flag and the anthem”.

In a statement, Goodell said :“The efforts by many of our players sparked awareness and action around issues of social justice that must be addressed. It was unfortunate that on- field protests created a false perception among many that thousands of NFL players were unpatriotic. This is not and was never the case.”

However, the NFL Players’ Association issued a statement saying it had not been consulted on the rule and could challenge it.

“The NFL chose to not consult the union in the development of this new ‘ policy’,” the statement said. “NFL players have shown their patriotism through their social activism, their community service, in support of our military and law enforcement and yes, through their protests to raise awareness about the issues they care about.

“The vote by NFL club CEO s today contradicts the statements made to our player leadership by commissioner Roger Goodell and the chairman of the NFL’S management council John Mara about the principles, values and patriotism of our league.”

The 2017 season was marked by protests during the pre-game anthems, with several players taking a knee to raise awareness of social and racia linequality in the United States.

The protests had been started by quarter back Colin Kaepernick in 2016, but grew in scope as US president Donald Trump called for players to be fired by teams for taking part.