A Detroit Lions fan who got into a verbal altercation with Green Bay Packers players and head coach Matt LaFleur on the field before their Week 14 game has had his season tickets revoked by the team.
The fan, identified as Fahad Yusif, told Detroit’s WXYZ-TV that the Lions emailed him and took away his season tickets after the incident.
As a perk for season ticket holders, Youssef was allowed onto the field to carry the United States flag during the national anthem. It’s something he’s been allowed to do before and the last time he did it, he also trash talked the opposing team.
Things got “spicy” before Thursday’s game between Matt LaFleur and a Lions fan on the field holding the flag for the national anthem. pic.twitter.com/jv1V4smgMx
— Awful Announce (@awfulannounce) December 6, 2024
But the exchange with the Packers was more heated, as Youssef explained to WXYZ.
“We’re looking at all the players about five, 10 yards from the sideline, definitely letting them know you’re going down,” Youssef said. “You’re done, done, let them know we’ll beat you twice, once at home, once here and [LaFleur] did not like
“Once I cut the throat, he just lost it, which I understand. I mean, I got caught up in the moment, and the fans, and the adrenaline and stuff, but it was crazy.”
Following the game, LaFleur criticized security for allowing fans to approach players and make insults and gestures.
“I’ve never been a part of anything like that. He was talking trash to our players, giving them the throat-slash sign. You’re trying to de-escalate it, and then he gets in my face. I thought, I’ve never seen that.
“I’ve been in a lot of cases and usually they police a lot. I thought it was an arrogant fan, wanting to be part of the action. I wish security or something would have seen him and got him out of there, because he shouldn’t be doing this.”
Due to the incident, Yousif was not allowed to enter the field with the flag and was asked to go to his seat. Just before halftime, he was asked to leave the game entirely.
This week, he received a message from the Lions informing him that his season ticket was being cancelled.
“As a Lions Loyal Member (Season Ticket Holder), you are responsible for ensuring that you and any seat occupants you license act and behave in accordance with the Guest Code of Conduct, which you have been advised of. A loyal member of the Lions,” said the message, which was shared by MLive.
“The Lions, Ford Field and the NFL will not tolerate illegal or disruptive behavior, which is contrary to our policies. At this time, your season ticket has been revoked and your eligibility to become a Lions loyal member has been suspended indefinitely.”
The Lions defeated the Packers 34-31 for their 11th straight win and second vs. Green Bay this season. Youssef was happy with the Lions’ win, but said losing his season ticket was “a punch in the gut” and he wanted the chance to give his side of the story.
“The biggest gut punch,” Youssef told The Detroit News. “Just waking up and seeing that email and not being able to talk to anybody in person, it was a terrible feeling.”
