What did the Detroit Lions fan say to DK Metcalf?

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up a crucial victory on Sunday night but wide receiver DK Metcalf may find himself in hot water after an altercation with a fan.

The Steelers’ 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions moves them to a 9-6 record on the season, claiming top spot in the AFC North. Metcalf put up 42 receiving yards on four receptions but an incident with a Lions fan overshadowed his performance.

Footage on the CBS broadcast showed Metcalf confronting a Detroit fan at Ford Field. As the supporter leaned over the railing that separates the crowd from the field, Metcalf appeared to grab his shirt and aim a punch up at the fan.

What did the Lions fan say to DK Metcalf?

In-game officials had not spotted the apparent punch and the player received no immediate punishment, although he is likely to face judgement from the NFL Disciplinary Committee in the coming days. It was not immediately clear what had caused the altercation and initial reports are conflicting.

The fan involved in the incident has since been named as Ryan Kennedy and he spoke to the Detroit Free Press to give his take. He has claimed that he angered the Steelers star by using his full name - DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf - in their brief conversation.

“A little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby,” Kennedy later said. “He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt.”

However NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero has added additional context, revealing that Metcalf and the fan have history. Metcalf is thought to have reported the same Lions supporter to stadium security last year, while playing for the Seattle Seahawks.

This time around, Pelissero quotes a source close to Metcalf who aimed a derogatory word at the player’s mother and called him “something we both know you don’t call a black man.” Metcalf did not stop to talk to reporters after the game and is yet to comment publicly on the incident.

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