New Jersey

New Jersey Ref Who Left Game After Protests Denies Racist Facebook Post

A referee facing criticism for refusing to officiate a high school football game after players knelt during the national anthem is facing new heat for a racially-insensitive Facebook post.

Referee Ernie Lunardelli says his Facebook account was hacked, and he denies writing multiple posts from his account saying Michelle and Barack Obama should go "back to the zoo."

Lunardelli and his son, Anthony, left the game Friday night between Colts Neck and Monroe high schools in New Jersey after some of the Monroe players knelt.

The two previously said while they respect the players' right to protest, they felt such acts were disrespectful.

The trend of kneeling during the national anthem started in the NFL, where some players kneel to protest social injustices, particularly against African-Americans.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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