Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch has raised eyebrows by remaining seated for most of US anthem before promptly standing for the Mexican anthem.
Lynch’s sitting protest took place on Sunday before the Raiders played the New England Patriots at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Lynch has not stood for the US national anthem since returning from retirement this season.
His protest came during the third regular season game the National Football League has ever played in Mexico.
Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch has raised eyebrows by remaining seated for most of US anthem (left) before promptly standing for the Mexican anthem (right)
The US and Mexico flags are displayed at Azteca Stadium before Sunday’s game. Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch sat for the US anthem but stood for the Mexican one
Lynch is seen arriving in Mexico City on Saturday. He has not stood for the national anthem since returning from retirement this season
The odd contrast of sitting for his own country’s anthem before standing to honor the host nation’s flag drew both scorn and support after Boston Globe reporter Ben Volin posted pictures of the incident on Twitter.
‘He may want to investigate race issues in Mexico,’ attorney John B. O’Keefe wrote on Twitter.
‘He should stay there. See how the police treat ppl there,’ retired police sergeant Bob Gambuti wrote.
Others were supportive, such as Nelson Espe, who tweeted in response to the incident: ‘Marshawn is a god. I love this man’.
At Azteca Stadium, there was a festive environment, with loud cheers for both teams from the crowd of 77,357.
During halftime, the Mexican hosts staged a rousing tribute to the nation’s first responders at the famed stadium.
The Patriots beat the overmatched Raiders handily, 33-8.
During halftime, the Mexican hosts at Azteca Stadium staged a tribute to first responders
Dogs used by first responders wear protective eyewear on the field at Azteca Stadium during a ceremony at halftime
Elsewhere in the league, five NFL players protested during the national anthems before early games Sunday.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills, free safety Michael Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas, knelt during the national anthem before a home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
New York Giants defensive lineman Olivier Vernon took a knee, as he has done most of the season.
On the opposing Kansas City Chiefs, cornerback Marcus Peters remained in the tunnel until the anthem was over.
Peters protested during the anthem earlier this season, but the last couples games he has stayed in the locker room to keep out of the spotlight.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills (10), free safety Michael Thomas (31) and tight end Julius Thomas (89), kneel during the national anthem on Sunday