Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended two games by the NFL. The decision comes following a controversial episode during which the player allegedly hit a Detroit Lions fan, according to what emerged from the images and reconstructions of the incident.
Metcalf was suspended two games without pay. He will be able to return to the team on January 5th.
The wide receiver found himself at the center of controversy Sunday after an altercation with a spectator in the second quarter of the Steelers’ 29-24 victory over the Lions at Ford Field.
The incident escalated when Metcalf grabbed the fan’s blue wig and then appeared to try to hit him before walking away.
It is unclear what triggered the incident, although US media reported on Monday that Metcalf had already reported the same spectator to security during an earlier visit to Ford Field.
The NFL said Metcalf violated league rules regarding interaction with fans.
“Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which states that players may not enter the stands or face fans at any time during game day and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in a manner that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or creates crowd management issues and/or injury risks, he or she will be held accountable,” the league said.
According to American media, Metcalf intends to appeal the disqualification. If the suspension is upheld, he will miss the Steelers’ final two regular season games against the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.
