Donald Trump slams NFL over ratings as players follow Colin Kaepernick’s example and kneel during the national anthem
The American President took to Twitter to criticise the ratings hours before the season opener on Sunday
Donald Trump took to Twitter to take a swipe at the NFL on Sunday as his war of words continued.
Just hours before the new season began, Trump remarked how low the viewing figures for the game between Atlanta Falcons and defending champions Philadelphia Eagles.
According to Deadline Hollywood, 19 million people watched the Falcons v Eagles game - which marks a 13% decline on the previous year.
It marks the second straight year with a double-digit dip, and the lowest numbers for a season opener since 2009.
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Taking to his personal Twitter account, Trump wrote: "Wow, NFL first game ratings are way down over an already really bad last year comparison.
"Viewership declined 13%, the lowest in over a decade. If the players stood proudly for our Flag and Anthem, and it is all shown on broadcast, maybe ratings could come back?
"Otherwise worse!"
The outburst is the latest in a long line of public spats by the President.
His umbrage began when Colin Kaepernick chose to kneel during the National Anthem as a mark of protest against racism in America.
The footballer has featured heavily in campaigning by Nike and, depsite Trump's further early forecasting, has seen their sales sky rocket.
During Thursday's game, one player chose to kneel - Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett, sat out the anthem in Thursday night’s game.
A handful of players around the league joined in on the protests during Sunday’s early slate of games, including San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin and Miami Dolphins wideouts Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson.