Lions safety Brian Branch was sent off for a helmet-to-helmet strike during Sunday's NFC North showdown against the Green Bay Packers, which Detroit ultimately won 24-14.

After being ejected, he drew another penalty for throwing double birds to the Lambeau Field crowd on the way out.

The hit came in the second quarter when Detroit was ahead 7-3. Packers QB Jordan Love targeted Bo Melton with a downfield pass near the left sideline. Branch assisted with extensive reporting on the piece. Melton dropped the ball and Branch pounced on Melton after the ball hit the ground.

Branch speared Melton in the facemask with the crown of his helmet and immediately drew a penalty flag for unnecessary roughness.

After reviewing the game, officials disqualified Branch from the game. Branch was perplexed and he and his teammates discussed the decision with officials.

After failing to convince the officials, Branch threw double birds toward the crowd at Lambeau Field on his way to the sideline.

This resulted in another penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. And Branch's day was over. It was a difficult turnaround for the Lions in a game where first place in the NFC North was on the line.

The 30-yard penalty moved the ball from Green Bay's 38-yard line to Detroit's 32-yard line. And the Lions lost a key starting defender with Branch's ejection.

The Packers were unable to capitalize on the penalties. The drive ended with a missed 46-yard field goal attempt by Brandon McManus and Detroit led 17-3 at halftime.

Tom Brady criticizes expulsion – “I don’t love this call at all”

The NFC North showdown attracted Fox's top broadcast talent, including Tom Brady as color commentator and Dean Blandino as rules analyst.

On the call, Blandino said, “The officials called the foul. You can decide to throw the ball. This happened so late, it had to come from New York (replay officials). You look at it. They decided that the hit was increased to the point of disqualification.”

Brady replied: “I don’t like this call at all. Obviously it’s a penalty, but in my opinion it has to be a serious intention in a game like this.”

Brady's criticism might raise some eyebrows, considering the terms of his approved minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders prevent him from criticizing the NFL's officiating.