Matthew Golden’s flexing celebration after a big gain against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday came with an expensive price tag. After being penalized for taunting during the game, the Green Bay Packers wide receiver has now been fined $11,941.

That’s a hefty bill for simply showing off his biceps. And judging by the reaction from Packers fans, the NFL isn’t getting much support for its decision.

Packers Fans Rip NFL Over Matthew Golden’s Fine

Golden was penalized after a 37-yard reception in the first quarter of Green Bay’s 23-13 win over Dallas on Oct. 18. He flexed after the catch, drew a 15-yard penalty, and was later fined by the league for unsportsmanlike conduct.

There was also some disagreement over whom Golden was celebrating toward. According to Packers reporter Ryan Wood, the wideout said afterward that he was flexing toward the Green Bay crowd. The league, however, still treated the gesture as taunting.

Fans weren’t convinced the celebration deserved a fine, especially with Golden insisting he was flexing toward his own team’s crowd. Packers reporter Eli Berkovits was among those who took issue with the league’s decision.

“Fined $12,000 for flexing after a big catch… What happened to the game I love?”Berkovits asked.

Zach Jacobson had an even sharper response to the punishment.

“I’m sorry, but this is just absolutely [expletive] egregious. $12,000 out of a rookie contract for flexing after a 37-yard play. This league is vile,”Jacobson wrote.

Packers Fans Question Why a Flex Deserved That Punishment

One fan argued that the officials, not Golden, should have faced the financial consequences.

“He was fined for that? The refs are the ones who should get the fine for that soft call,”the fan wrote. “Go ahead and fine me too. Losers.”

Another supporter could barely get past the price tag.

“Fined $11,941 for flexing? The NFL is a joke,”they wrote.

“Absolutely ridiculous,”one X user added.

Golden’s flag was part of a busy night for the officials. Both teams were penalized 11 times, with Green Bay losing 96 yards and Dallas losing 108 yards. The Packers also had an interception erased by adisputed roughing-the-passer penalty on Lukas Van Ness.

Despite the penalty, Green Bay finished the drive with a touchdown. Jordan Love connected with Golden for a 9-yard score, and the second-year receiver finished the night with six catches for 104 yards. The flag interrupted a productive drive but didn’t keep the Packers out of the end zone.

Golden had plenty to celebrate after the win. A touchdown, a 100-yard performance, and a victory over Dallas made for a strong night at Lambeau Field. Through Week 6, the 23-year-old ranks No. 11 in the league with a PFN WR Impact Score of 82.6.