Donald Trump's national anthem comments spark mass of protests by American football players

US president Donald Trump's criticism of American football players who kneel during the national anthem has sparked a mass increase in such protests around the NFL, as about 200 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance.

A week ago, just six players protested. Most of the players on Sunday locked arms with their teammates - some standing, others kneeling - in show of solidarity. A handful of teams stayed off the field until after the national anthem to avoid the issue altogether.