This was a first for Matt LaFleur.
The Packers coach revealed what triggered him during a pregame altercation with Lions fans on the field before Detroit's thrilling 34-31 victory.
“I've never been a part of anything like that,” LaFleur said in the postgame press conference. “He was talking trash to our players and giving them signs to cut their throats. Whenever I tried to de-escalate, he would get in my face.”
The fan, wearing a Brian Branch jersey, was one of many on the field during the national anthem and was helping unfurl the American flag when he made the questionable gesture.
LaFleur seemed visibly upset and angrily walked towards him and barked “shut up” before being pulled away and eventually advancing to the second round.
LaFleur also blamed Ford Field security for allowing the situation to escalate.
“I thought it was pretty unsportsmanlike. I've never seen anything like that. I've been to a lot of fields. Usually they police it much better,” LaFleur said. “I thought it was an arrogant fan who wanted to get in on the action. I'd like to see security or something step in and get him out of there, because he shouldn't be doing that.”
This incident was the first trigger, as LaFleur was more irritated than usual during the match.
In the fourth quarter, LaFleur was seen yelling at the officials as the Lions attempted a game-winning field goal.
During the Lions' final drive, LaFleur was seen saying, “Fuck you, fuck you.”
Many in X LaFleur speculated that the Lions were upset because they executed a pick play that had previously been penalized by the Packers, negating a Green Bay touchdown that would have given them a 35-31 lead.
The Lions were not penalized on this play.
The lack of a call allowed the Lions to drive down the field for a 31-31 game and kick the field for the win as time expired.
Detroit is currently the favorite for the Super Bowl at 12-1, but the Packers will likely have to compromise to earn a wild-card spot after a blowout loss to their division rival.
