DETROIT — The Lions confirmed to ESPN that the crew has revoked the season tickets of a fan who had a pregame verbal altercation with Packers coach Matt LaFleur at Ford Field final week.
A TV digicam caught the top of a heated alternate between LaFleur and Fahad Yousif, a Lions fan from Farmington Hills, Michigan, who was a part of the group holding an enormous flag for the nationwide anthem final Thursday night time.
LaFleur might be seen yelling on the fan however stated his actions had been provoked.
“I’ve by no means been part of one thing like that,” LaFleur stated after Sunday’s 34-31 loss to the Lions. “He was speaking junk to our gamers, giving them the throat-slash signal. You’re attempting to de-escalate it, after which he will get in my face. I assumed it was fairly unsportsmanlike.
“I’ve by no means seen that. I’ve been on many fields, and often they police that a lot better. I assumed it was an smug fan that wished to get in part of the motion. I want to see safety, or one thing step in there and get him out of there, as a result of it is, he should not be doing that. Yeah.”
Yousif confirmed the crew’s resolution to The Detroit News and stated he was “devastated” by the transfer after being contacted through electronic mail.
“The largest intestine punch, man,” Yousif informed The Detroit News on Thursday. “Just waking up and seeing that electronic mail and never with the ability to discuss to any individual in individual, it was a horrible feeling. I haven’t got my likelihood to present my aspect of the story or something.”
The 12-1 Lions are off to their finest begin in franchise historical past with 11 consecutive victories. On Sunday, they are going to return to Ford Field to host the Bills (10-3) in a matchup of Super Bowl contenders. Yousif, a lifelong Lions fan, stated the crew’s success is “making it harm much more.”
“This has been my id my complete life, and it is simply ripped away from me over a small incident. It undoubtedly may’ve been prevented on my finish,” Yousif informed The Detroit News.
“I might let [the Lions] know I’m so sorry that I embarrassed this crew. Like, this actually wasn’t my intention. I might apologize to anybody and do something I may to get again within the stadium, supporting my crew.”
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky contributed to this report.
