The Dallas Cowboys advanced to the divisional round of the NFL play-offs last night, but all anyone can talk about is a dubious refereeing call that cost the Detroit Lions victory.
The Lions were clinging on to a three-point in the game in Dallas and were looking to run down the clock in the fourth quarter when a Matthew Stafford pass to Brandon Pettigrew was broken up by Cowboys’ linebacker Anthony Hitchens.
A penalty flag was thrown for pass interference as Hitchens clearly looked to have impeded Pettigrew without making an effort to play the ball, but the call was reversed after what appeared to be impassioned pleas from the Cowboys sideline.
The penalty would have given Detroit a first down and effectively killed off the game, but the Cowboys regained possession and drove down the field for a game-winning touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Terrance Williams with two minutes remaining.
Former players, coaches and officials were united in disbelief at the decision to reverse the call, which according to the referees came as the result of another official with a better of the incident.
That's pretty unbelievable that they could call pass interference and then pick up the flag with no explanation?? Not sure why?
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) January 5, 2015
That's pass interference contact and not playing the ball. Good call
— Jim Daopoulos (@RefereeJimD) January 5, 2015
Can't answer everyone but this was a foul and should not have been picked…I have no idea or reason for the flag pick up…puzzling!
— Jim Daopoulos (@RefereeJimD) January 5, 2015
The result has only to added to the irrational belief among many that the NFL favours America’s Team, a problem which was exacerbated earlier this season when the league’s head of officiating, Dean Blandino, was seen enjoying himself on the Cowboys’ official party bus (yes, they have a party bus!).
https://twitter.com/TA94LYFE/status/551976654713532416
https://twitter.com/GWBiscuit/status/551894867388162049
https://twitter.com/xmasape/status/551898166883536896
They did have the better officials (in their pocket). “@nfl: How bout them #WildCard winning Cowboys?!?! #DETvsDAL pic.twitter.com/QBMjogqGA6”
— Kath Halloran (@lifeonqueen) January 5, 2015
For those who want the full explanation of the call, from former referee Mike Pereira:
