Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell refuses to defend Brian Branch after he threw a punch at JuJu Smith-Schuster

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell called Brian Branch’s postgame attack on JuJu Smith-Schuster “inexcusable” and hinted at internal disciplinary action after the game. 30-17 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

Branch rejected a high-profile offer from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the end of the fourth quarter, prompting Smith-Schuster to talk down Branch, who then punched him in the facemask and knocked him down.

Several other players tried to wade in but not before Branch ripped Smith-Schuster’s face mask off his head.

Mastery Mahomes downs the Lions

It was a poor end to an impressive showing from the Chiefs, who moved to 3-3, thanks in large part to Mahomes, who completed 22 of 30 passes for 257 yards and three TDs. He also had 31 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown.

“I love Brian Branch,” Campbell said, “but what he did is inexcusable, and it will not be tolerated here. That’s not what we do. That’s not what we’re about. I’ve apologized to Coach (Andy) Reid and the Chiefs and Smith-Schuster. That’s not okay. That’s not what we’re doing here. It’s not going to be okay. He knows that. Our team knows that. That’s not what we do.”

Safety Branch admitted his role in the brawl but insisted he had been provoked by Smith-Schuster.

“It was a childish thing, but I’m tired of people doing things in between plays that the refs don’t catch,” Branch said. “They’re trying to bully me over there. I never should have done that. It was childish.”

Smith-Schuster was confused by what had happened. “He’s a great player and he’s a great player for their team,” he said. “After the game, I expected to shake his hand and say, ‘Good game.’” But he threw a punch.”

Kansas City outscored the Lions

The performance and post-game scrimmage contributed to a disappointing night for the Lions who came into Arrowhead with a 4-1 record and looking to make a statement against the Chiefs.

“We didn’t make the plays we needed to make,” Campbell added.

“We were able to do some good things in stages at times but not enough for a team like this with the pedigree they have. We couldn’t compliment each other and we couldn’t make it a game, really. We didn’t do that.”