What set Matt LaFleur off in heated altercation with Lions fan
This was a first for Matt LaFleur.
The Packers coach revealed what set him off during a pregame altercation with a Lions fan on the field before Detroit’s thrilling 34-31 victory.
“I’ve never been a part of something like that,” LaFleur said in his postgame press conference. “He was talking junk to our players, giving them the throat slash sign. You try to de-escalate it, and then he gets in my face”
The fan in a Brian Branch jersey was one of many on the field during the national anthem to help unfurl the American flag when he made the alleged gestures.
LaFleur appeared visibly upset, angrily walking toward him and barking, “Shut the f–k up,” before being separated and eventually going for a second round.
LaFleur also called out Ford Field security for allowing the situation to escalate.
“I thought it was pretty unsportsmanlike. I’ve never seen that. I’ve been on many fields. Usually, they police that much better,” LaFleur said. “I thought it was an arrogant fan that wanted to get in part of the action. I would like to see security or something step in there and get him out of there. Because he shouldn’t be doing that.”
The incident was the first that set LaFleur off, as he was much more irritated during the game than usual.
LaFleur was seen screaming at the referees in the fourth quarter as the Lions drove for the game-winning field goal.
“Bull-f–king s–t,” LaFleur could be seen saying during the Lions’ final drive.
Many on X speculated that LaFleur was upset because the Lions ran a pick play that the Packers were previously penalized for, negating a Green Bay touchdown that would’ve put them ahead, 35-31.
The Lions were not penalized on said play.
The non-call helped the Lions would drive down the field in a 31-31 game and kick the game-winning field as time expired.
Detroit is now 12-1 and the Super Bowl betting favorites, while the Packers likely will have to settle for a wild-card spot after being swept by their division rivals.