Texans Condemn Dangerous Fan Incident After Chargers Supporter Throws Lighter Toward DeMeco Ryans
Inglewood, California – December 27, 2025
What should have been remembered as a hard-fought and disciplined NFL battle instead turned unsettling late Saturday night, after a dangerous act from the stands forced the Houston Texans and the league to confront fan behavior once again.
During the Texans’ 20–16 road victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, a Chargers supporter was ejected after throwing a lighter toward the Texans’ sideline, narrowly missing head coach DeMeco Ryans. Video of the incident quickly circulated across social media, showing the object landing near the coaching area as security rushed in.
According to stadium officials, the fan was identified within seconds and escorted out of the venue. No injuries were reported, but the moment visibly shook players and staff along the Texans’ sideline, briefly diverting attention from an otherwise intense, playoff-level atmosphere.
The Houston Texans organization moved swiftly following the game, confirming that the individual has been permanently banned from SoFi Stadium and that the incident has been formally reported to the NFL for review under league conduct and fan safety policies.
A team official released a firm statement condemning the act:
“This behavior is completely unacceptable. Passion for the game never excuses actions that endanger others. What happened on Saturday night put people at risk, and there is zero tolerance for that in our sport.”
Ryans, who has earned league-wide respect for his calm leadership and emphasis on accountability, chose not to escalate the situation publicly after the game. Sources inside the locker room, however, acknowledged the incident was unsettling given how close the object came to the sideline.
The Los Angeles Chargers also released a statement distancing the organization from the fan’s actions, offering an apology to the Texans and emphasizing that the individual does not represent Chargers fans as a whole.
Across the NFL, the incident reignited discussion around stadium security and fan accountability, particularly as emotions run high late in the season. League officials reiterated that while intensity and rivalry are central to football, there is no place for violence or dangerous conduct in any NFL environment.
For the Texans, the message was clear and unequivocal: competition ends where safety is threatened. And anyone who crosses that line will not be welcomed back — regardless of the score, the stakes, or the rivalry involved.
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