NFL Games Off At Connecticut Bar After 'Take A Knee' Protests

NORWICH, CT — The Harp & Dragon pub in Norwich, Connecticut has decided to stop showing NFL games after several players on multiple teams took a knee before or during the national anthem.

"All football specials have ended NOW. This decision is in no way political or racial in anyway. This is our love for our country and service men and women," the restaurant posted on Facebook.

The post has garnered more than 700 reactions, 400 comments and 250 shares on the social network.

Owner Scott Capano told WTNH that he believes everyone has a right to protest, but it shouldn't be directed at the flag or anthem.

President Donald Trump called for NFL players who take a knee during the national anthem to be fired. Only four players knelt or sat and two stood with their fists raised the week prior. More than 200 players protested last week, according to Associated Press reporters and photographers.

On Sunday more NFL players decided to take a knee during the anthem. The Pittsburgh Steelers had their own private ceremony in the locker room during the anthem as a protest. The Tennessee Titans and Seattle Sewhawks also remained inside their locker rooms.

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the anthem last year to protest racial injustice. He remains unsigned.

Comments about the bar's decision were mixed:

"By taking a stand on a racial/political matter, your decision IS political/racial. That's fine, you have that right, but own it for what it is," wrote one person on Facebook.

"I will be at Harp & Dragon this Sunday....#Freedom #NFL#AMERICA we know their choice, this is my choice! JOIN ME!"

"I don't like what they are doing. I feel they are confusing things by taking a knee. But they are NOT protesting the flag, the anthem nor veterans. They are protesting police brutality. They are protesting a government they feel does not represent them. They are protesting an unbalanced judicial system. They are taking a knee for civil rights. That makes us uncomfortable. Well, that's the point. It should make us uneasy. I agree they are aiming at the wrong targets, but their message needs to be heard."

Photo by Matt Dunham/Associated Press