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Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur got involved in a verbal altercation with a fan before Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Speaking to reporters after his team’s 34-31 loss, LaFleur explained the situation by saying the “arrogant fan” who was “talking junk” to Packers players and later got in his face before players from both teams and officials stepped in to de-escalate things.
The fan was part of the group who was on the field before the game to hold the American flag during the performance of the National Anthem. He then appeared to look in the direction of the Packers sideline when LaFleur started yelling at him.
LaFleur was also critical of security for not stepping in as soon as the fan started walking toward him, saying “usually they police that a lot better” to “get him out of here.”
The fan didn’t hide his bias toward the Lions because he was wearing a Brian Branch jersey. This isn’t an excuse to get into a verbal battle with the head coach of the opposing team, but the rivalry between these two clubs is very intense now that they are both Super Bowl contenders in the NFC.
This was the second meeting between the division rivals in six weeks. The Lions have won both times, giving them a three-game lead over Green Bay in the NFC North. They maintained their one-game advantage over the Minnesota Vikings in the loss column.
The Lions also secured a playoff spot for the second consecutive year with Thursday’s victory. This marks the first time they have made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons since a run of three straight appearances from 1993 to 1995.
Thursday’s loss halted Green Bay’s momentum after winning its previous three games, including the last two by a combined score of 68-27. The 298 yards of total offense were its second-lowest total of the season (277 in Week 7).
Despite their defeat, the Packers are still in good position to make the playoffs. They lead the Washington Commanders by one game for the No. 6 seed in the NFC.
The Packers will play the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. They are 3-0 against NFC West teams already this season.
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