Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed his displeasure last Thursday when questioned about his pregame altercation with a Detroit Lions fan, who was later identified as Fahad Yousif.
The Lions seem to agree with LaFleur’s sentiments, taking serious action against Yousif by revoking his season tickets.
The intense exchange between Yousif and LaFleur occurred before last Thursday’s kickoff at Ford Field. The situation escalated to the point where the Packers coach had to be separated from the fan by his players and staff. Yousif, sporting a Brian Branch jersey, was one of the American flag holders during the national anthem.
Earlier this week, Yousif received a message from the Lions informing him of their decision to revoke his season ticket holder status. On Wednesday, an excerpt from the correspondence sent to Yousif appeared on social media.
“Our record shows that you are the licensee of the seats identified above. This seat is held under a revocable license issued by the Detroit Lions, Inc. (”Lions”) and Ford Field. A ticket to a Lions game is a license to attend, which can be rescinded,” the email stated. “As a Lions Loyal Member (season ticket holder), you are responsible for ensuring that you, and the persons occupying any seats licensed to you, act and conduct themselves according to the Guest Code of Conduct policy, which you have been advised of as a Lions Loyal Member. The Lions, Ford Field and the NFL will not tolerate illegal or disruptive behavior, which is contrary to our policy.
“At this time, your season tickets have been revoked and your eligibility to become a Lions Loyal Member has been suspended indefinitely,” the correspondence continued. “To reconcile your account, a refund (minus fees) for the remaining Lions tickets in your account will be returned to the same method of payment used during the initial payment.”
After Yousif’s exchange with LaFleur, he was asked to leave the Ford Field premises. The Lions went on to defeat the Packers 34-31, thanks to a 35-yard field goal from Jake Bates as time expired.
“I’ve never been a part of something like that. He was talking junk to our players, giving them the throat-slash sign and, you know, you’re trying to de-escalate it, and then he gets in my face,” LaFleur said when describing the situation. “I thought it was pretty unsportsmanlike … I’ve never seen that. I’ve been on many fields, and usually, they police that much better.”
