Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers quarterback praised for standing up to anti-Muslim heckle

Rodgers reacted to a 'derogatory generalisation' before Packers defeat to Lions

(Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers has been roundly praised after he expressed his "disappointment" after hearing an anti-Muslim slur during a minute's silence to mark the Paris attacks.

Rodgers, whose Green Bay Packers lost to the Detroit Lions 18-16 on Sunday, didn't specify what the person said - although later reports indicate that someone shouted "Muslims suck!" before being chastised by others.

“I think it’s important to do things like [the moment of silence]. We’re a connected world, you know — six degrees of separation,” Rodgers told reporters.

“I must admit, though, I was very disappointed with whoever the fan was who made a comment that I thought was really inappropriate, during the moment of silence. It’s that kind of prejudicial ideology that I think puts us in the position that we’re in today, as a world.”

After winning all of their first five matches of the season, the Packers have now lost three in a row to fall behind the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.

Rodgers threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns but Mason Crosby missed what would have been a game-winning kick as time expired.

The Lions had entered the game as the worst team in the NFL, winning only one of their previous eight.