Before Thursday night’s game in Detroit, a Lions fan from the group that carried the flag onto the field during the national anthem got loose and taunted Packers players, prompting coach Matt LaFleur to get involved. Eventually, game officials separated the fan from LaFleur and the Packers players.
“I’ve never been a part of anything like that” LaFleur said after the game. “He was talking trash to our players, giving them the cut-throat sign, I’m trying to de-escalate it and then he gets in my face.” It seemed quite unsportsmanlike. I haven’t seen that yet. I’ve been to many fields and they usually do a lot better. I thought he was an arrogant fan who wanted in on the action and I’d like to see security come in or something and get him out of there. Because he shouldn’t.”
Fan, Lions season ticket holder, was interviewed by WXYZ. He was not very sorry about the situation. He said he already did.
He also said he was asked to return to his seat before the anthem and that he was asked to leave just before halftime.
“Hold on – I’m stuck on it,” he said. “I kind of feel like I might have embarrassed some of the fans and maybe the organization and stuff. But that’s not my intention at all. I absolutely love the team and, yeah, I’m sad that it turned out this way.” But I’m glad we won.
He has not heard from the Lions if there will be any further ramifications.
The Lions have not commented on the situation, according to a team spokesman.
It’s one thing for fans in the stands to give opposing players and coaches the business. For the few who do get the privilege of being on the field before a game, it’s fair to expect that they put certain behaviors aside.
It’s safe to say that if the Lions host the Packers in the playoffs, the fan won’t be carrying the flag before the game. If he is allowed to enter Ford Field at all.