Matt LaFleur’s evening began with a tense situation even before the game began on Thursday.

In the lead-up to the game, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers engaged in a heated dispute with a Detroit Lions supporter, who was assisting in displaying the American flag during the national anthem. LaFleur and the fan, donned in a Brian Branch jersey, exchanged heated words and gestures until a Packers staff member intervened.

A number of Packers players approached the scene before officials stepped in to separate them.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that,” LaFleur remarked following the Packers’ 34-31 defeat. “He was taunting our players and making throat-slashing gestures. I was trying to calm the situation down when he confronted me directly. It struck me as very unsportsmanlike.”

LaFleur expressed regret that the fan wasn’t escorted away before tensions escalated further.

“I’ve never witnessed anything like that. I have been on numerous fields, and typically, that behavior is better controlled. I thought the fan was quite arrogant, wanting to be part of the scene. I believe security should have intervened and removed him, as that kind of behavior is unacceptable.”

The defeat left the Packers with a record of 9-4, trailing the Lions by three games in the NFC North standings.