Lions Fan Claims He Called DK Metcalf Full Name Before Punch, WR Reportedly Claims Slur

12:18 PM -- Ryan Kennedy is coming out against the claims he reportedly used a slur towards Metcalf during Sunday's game -- with his attorney issuing a statement Monday afternoon -- denying those allegations.

"At no point before, during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slur or hate speech of any kind," a statement provided to TMZ Sports said. "The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting."

"Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during any interaction with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past."

The statement concluded by saying that, since "this matter "will now likely be the subject of formal legal proceedings, Mr. Kennedy will not comment further at this time."

The Detroit Lions fan on the receiving end of a punch from Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf is speaking out ... insisting he simply called the player by his full name before the incident -- but DK is reportedly claiming something much worse was said.

The Detroit Free Press found the man in the stands after everything went down on Sunday ... and he told the outlet he was "a little shocked" by what happened.

"He doesn't like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I'm a little shocked. Like everyone's talking to me. I'm a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby."

When they asked him to identify himself, he responded with "My name is 'Biggest Detroit Lions Fan Ever that got attacked by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.'"

Of course, that's not his name. After they pressed him further ... he said it was Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, MI ... which is an hour outside of the Motor City.

Lions officials also tracked Kennedy down and spoke with him about the incident, the team told the outlet.

Metcalf, on the other hand, did not speak publicly on the matter ... but Chad Johnson stated on the "Nightcap" podcast with Shannon Sharpe he was told the fan used a racial slur and called DK's mom the c-word before the punch.

When reporters asked head coach Mike Tomlin for his thoughts postgame ... he said that while he heard about it, he had not seen anything surrounding the incident.

"I hadn't had an opportunity to talk to DK, and so I have no comment."