Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni on Monday denied allegations that he directed a middle finger toward home fans following Sunday’s 19-11 loss to the New York Giants. The game marked the Eagles’ seventh consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 2-7.
Sirianni’s denial and team context
Sirianni told reporters, “Absolutely not. That was a surprise to me. Absolutely not.” when asked about the incident. Video footage captured after the final whistle showed Sirianni walking toward the tunnel alongside security personnel, with some angles appearing to show his right hand raised in a gesture toward booing spectators at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles organization has not publicly addressed the video beyond Sirianni’s statement.
The team’s struggles extend beyond the alleged incident. Star quarterback Jalen Hurts is sidelined for the remainder of the season after blood clots were discovered in his lungs, and the Eagles have lost seven straight games. Backup quarterback Joe Milton started in Hurts’ absence, completing 18 of 34 passes for 169 yards, throwing one lost fumble, and taking seven sacks in the loss.
Team performance and fan reaction
The Eagles’ 2-7 record is their worst start since 2013, when they also lost seven consecutive games. Fans at Lincoln Financial Field booed the team as it left the field, with some social media posts amplifying the video clip of the alleged gesture. The Giants’ victory marked their first win in Philadelphia since 2013, further intensifying scrutiny on the Eagles’ decline.
Sirianni has previously drawn attention for his animated sideline demeanor, including gestures like cupping his ear at home crowds during a 2023 win over Cleveland. However, his denial of the middle finger accusation comes amid a broader collapse that has eroded fan support. The team’s next scheduled game is a Week 10 bye before resuming the 2024 season.