Metcalf was suspended for two games for the incident, in which he appeared to grab the shirt of a fan wearing a blue wig in the front row before shoving him.
Metcalf plans to appeal the suspension, according to multiple reports.
If the ban stands, Metcalf will miss the remainder of the regular season. The Steelers, however, can clinch the AFC North before playing Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns if the Baltimore Ravens fall to the Green Bay Packers on Monday. If the Ravens win and the Steelers lose, however, Metcalf would be out for the Week 18 showdown between the two teams that would decide the division.
The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, who did not speak to reporters after the game, was not removed from the Steelers’ 29-24 win over the Lions after the clash. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did not divulge any details after the game about how the team handled the episode.
‘I heard about it, but I hadn’t seen it and I hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to DK, and so I have no comment,’ Tomlin said.
The fan spoke with the Detroit Free Press of the USA TODAY Network and identified himself as his name was Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, Michigan. He said he called Metcalf by his full legal name – DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf – and that the receiver then ripped his shirt.
On Monday, he issued a statement denying allegations he had used ‘any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based language during the incident.’
Metcalf was not subject to discipline from the league during the game because officials did not flag him.
The Lions spoke with the fan about the incident but did not eject him, the team told the Free Press.
Metcalf, 28, was traded to the Steelers this offseason, signing a four-year, $132 million extension as the top weapon for new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. His 56.7 yards per game, however, is his lowest average since his rookie season.