The network admitted it had seen ‘underwhelming ratings’ for the Tokyo Olympics, amid a backlash at athletes protesting the the American flag and national anthem, and empty stadiums due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Just 14.7 million viewers tuned into the Tokyo games during primetime on July 26, a decrease of 49 percent on 2016’s Rio games, and 53 percent on the 2012 games in London, Fox News reported.

The opening ceremonies also saw the lowest viewership since 1988.

Officials believe the coronavirus pandemic played a role in the lack of viewership.