NEW YORK - The NFL is facing backlash after announcing a new policy that would fine any team if players kneel during the national anthem.

The new policy requires players to stand as long as they're on the field.

But they can stay in the locker rooms during the anthem if they wish.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calls this a good compromise that allows players to protest while allowing others to show respect for the anthem.

The policy change comes two years after former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem to protest racial inequality.

The New York Jets are the only team in the league to pubilcy back its players.

Team owner Christopher Johnson says his team will pay any fines doled out by the league, without passing on punishment to the players.

Meantime, on Twitter Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized the new policy saying, "There's nothing more un-American than telling your workers they can’t  express themselves, @NFL."