Packers coach addresses pregame clash with ‘arrogant’ Lions fan

DETROIT — Before Thursday’s game at Ford Field, tensions flared on the gridiron between Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and a rambunctious Detroit Lions fan.

The fiery exchange occurred before kickoff and escalated to the point that LaFleur had to be separated from the fan by his players and staff.

The fan, wearing a Brian Branch jersey, was one of the American flag holders during the national anthem.

“I’ve never been a part of something like that. He was talking junk to our players, giving them the throat-slash sign and, you know, you’re trying to de-escalate it, and then he gets in my face,” LaFleur said. “I thought it was pretty unsportsmanlike … I’ve never seen that. I’ve been on many fields, and usually, they police that much better.”

TV cameras captured the altercation, and the footage aired on the NFL Network. With the stadium houselights dimmed, the footage showed LaFleur pointing and shouting at the fan as he approached.

Things got “spicy” before Thursday’s game between Matt LaFleur and a Lions fan who was on the field to hold the flag for the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/jv1V4smgMx

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 6, 2024

The unidentified fan responded with similar hand gestures before a Packers staffer intervened to prevent further escalation. Shortly after, several Packers players stepped in to break up the situation, with game officials guiding the fan further away.