WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has urged his supporters to sign a petition to push against protests staged by players of the National Football League (NFL) during the national anthem.

"The President has asked for a list of supporters who stand for the National Anthem. Add your name below to show your patriotism and support," said the petition released Thursday by the Trump Make America Great Again Committee, a fundraising group for Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

The petition was also seen on the website and twitter account of the Republican National Committee. It does not tell how many signatures it has received.

The move came after an NFL decision reached by team owners, executives and players earlier this week that the league would encourage players to stand for "The Star-Spangled Banner" but not implement a rule forcing them to do so.

NFL players kneeling during the national anthem played prior to a game are protesting against what they called social injustice, a practice Trump has criticized as unpatriotic and disrespectful of the military.

Trump has repeatedly opened fire at the protests since a rally in September.

In response to the NFL's decision, Trump tweeted Wednesday, saying that the league has "too much talks, not enough action," while urging its players to "Stand for the National Anthem."