Why did DK Metcalf punch a fan? Steelers star attacks Lions supporter

Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf threw a punch at a fan on Sunday, leaving himself at risk of serious punishment from the NFL.

Metcalf was shown on the CBS broadcast in the midst of a confrontation with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field. Midway through the second quarter, Metcalf appearing to be talking to a Lions supporter dangling over the railings.

Within a few seconds, Metcalf leaned up and threw a closed-fist punch, appearing to connect with the supporter. The fan threw up his hands, while Metcalf walked away.

Why was DK Metcalf allowed to play on?

Some viewers will have been surprised to see that Metcalf was allowed to continue on the field, rather than face any in-game punishment. ESPN reports that Metcalf was allowed to continue because no flag was thrown by officials, presumably because no one had spotted the incident.

However while he was allowed to play on in Sunday’s game, Metcalf will almost certainly face significant punishment from the league in the coming days. That physical confrontation with a fan will be looked at retrospectively by the disciplinary committee, with the prospect of legal consequences still a possibility.

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