NFL: Chiefs vs. Lions – Brawl between Smith-Schuster and Branch – Lions star suspended

Brian Branch and JuJu Smith-Schuster clash after the Detroit Lions’ game at the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL has now announced the penalty. This is not the first time the safety has attracted negative attention this season.

The aftermath of Sunday night’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions has had repercussions. After a quick investigation, the NFL has announced the penalty.

Brian Branch has been officially suspended for one game by the league. The Lions safety was fined $23,186 in September for grabbing a face mask and unsportsmanlike conduct.

“Your aggressive, non-football-related action was completely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and fairness expected of NFL players,” Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of football operations, said in a statement to Branch.

The altercation between the two pros broke out shortly after the final snap of the game, which the Chiefs won 30-17. Branch had refused to shake hands with Patrick Mahomes. The Lions safety then approached Smith-Schuster and pushed him to the ground.

As the Chiefs receiver ran after the culprit, other players also intervened. In the course of the ensuing altercation, Smith-Schuster even lost his helmet. Ultimately, with the help of coaches who rushed to the scene, the combatants were separated.

Chiefs vs. Lions – Branch and Smith-Schuster clash: “It was childish”

Dan Campbell had clear words for the incident. “I like Brian Branch,” the Lions head coach said of his player, but added: “What he did is inexcusable and will not be accepted here. That’s not how we operate. It’s not our principles.”

Branch explained his outburst by saying he had been fouled during the game without the attack being penalized. During a play at the end of the game, he was pushed to the ground by Smith-Schuster. However, no penalty was called.

“It was childish, but I’m tired of people doing things between plays that the referees don’t notice,” the 23-year-old railed: “They’re trying to bully me out there. I should never have done that. It was childish.”

Smith-Schuster also commented, showing himself to be conciliatory: “He’s a great player and hugely important to his team.” Commenting on the incident, he said: “After the game, I wanted to shake his hand. But then he hit me.”

The 28-year-old was left with a bloody nose. Whether he will have to pay even more for the incident will become clear in the coming days.