Vice President Pence leaves Colts, 49ers game over National Anthem protest

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Credit: Mike Pence/Twitter

Vice President Mike Pence left Sunday's game between Indianapolis and San Francisco after several of the 49ers players took a knee during the National Anthem. App users click here.

The vice president tweeted that he was "looking forward to cheering" for the Colts, but later tweeted that he had walked out of the game.

"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," Pence tweeted.

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The Vice President followed up with a string of tweets saying that the country should rally around the flag and that he believes players should respect the flag and the anthem.

"At a time when so many Americans are inspiring our nation with their courage, resolve, and resilience...now, more than ever, we should rally around our Flag and everything that unites us...While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, I don't think it's too much to ask NFL players to respect the Flag and our National Anthem. I stand with @POTUS Trump, I stand with our soldiers, and I will always stand for our Flag and National Anthem."

Pence also tweeted a photo of he and the second lady, Karen Pence, standing as the anthem was played at Lucas Oil Stadium.