Packers head coach, Lions fan separated on field before rivalry game

The fan was on the field to hold the flag for the national anthem

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Tempers flared early in Detroit ahead of an NFC North matchup with an unusual dispute.

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and a Detroit Lions fan were separated on the field before Thursday night’s clash.

The ruckus appeared to occur right before the national anthem when Lions fans were on the field holding the flag for the game.

Matt LaFleur coaches against the Eagles

Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field Nov. 27, 2022, in Philadelphia.  (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Apparently, though, a fan in a Brian Branch jersey took it a bit too far, to the point LaFleur told him to "shut the f--- up."

Several Packers players and referees intervened before the fan walked away, excited about what had just happened.

Fans holding the flag took their phones out to record the argument. 

And it wasn’t an ideal start for the Packers once the game actually started. 

A defensive penalty on a third and goal gave the Lions a fresh set of downs, and David Montgomery ran in for a score on the game’s first drive. After Detroit made it 10-0, the Packers cut into the lead with a Josh Jacobs touchdown in the second quarter.

Matt LaFleur on field

Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers stands on the field before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium Oct. 6, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif.  (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

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The Lions and Packers have combined to go 20-4 this season and are first and third in the division, respectively. Detroit is looking to set a franchise record with its 11th straight victory.

Both teams earned home victories on Thanksgiving.

Matt LaFleur looks down at play sheet

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur during the first quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts Sept. 15, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (Imagn)

The Lions defeated the Packers last month, 24-14, at Lambeau Field.

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Authored by Ryan Morik via FoxNews December 5th 2024