Conspiracy theory? Officials missing the easiest muffed punt call during Seahawks-49ers game sparks OUTRAGE on social media

Controversial call made by the officials by missing an easiest muffed punt in 49ers-Seahawks game ignited a storm of outrage on social media.

Conspiracy theory? Officials missing the easiest muffed punt call during Seahawks-49ers game sparks OUTRAGE on social media

Kyle Shanahan challenged the missed easiest muffed punt call during Seahawks-49ers game (Via San Francisco 49ers/covid-medical)

Lately, the NFL officials are become subject to scrutiny over the array of missed penalties and wrong call that ended up costing the teams. Although the San Francisco 49ers won the match against the Seattle Seahawks in the week 6 opener, the controversial call made by the officials in the fourth quarter has ignited a storm of outrage on social media. 

It happened in the Thursday Night Football Match when 49ers’ punter Mitch Wishnowsky punted on the first play of the fourth quarter. As the ball punted down the 18-yard line of the opponent, Seahawks returner Dee Williams muffed punt the ball before it was recovered by 49ers’ Jalen Graham. 

YouTube video

The officials first ruled that the punt was downed by Graham rather than a fumble recovered by him. Being on the wrong side of the missed call, head coach Kyle Shanahan challenged the ruling which sent it for review. To everyone’s surprise, the officials stick to the original ruling despite reviewing the clip of the play. 

FS Video

Rules expert Terry McAulay, who disagreed with the NFL officials’ ruling, revealed on an Amazon broadcast that the officials did not have access to the enhanced video clip that he and all the viewers at home were able to see on their television screens. Walt Anderson, who replayed the clip, from the command room in New York told him the referees reviewed a different version of the clip than the rest of the audience which resulted in the wrong call. 

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Fans react to the controversial call by the NFL officials during Seahawks-49ers game

This incident highlighted more of the NFL’s mistakes than the officials, as the latter needed to have access to every angle of the plays. Even though this wrong call didn’t affect the outcome of the match, it easily could have changed the situation and thrown the Niners at 4-2. However, fans are a bit skeptical regarding the claim that the officials did not have access to the enhanced video. 

Muffed punt call during Seahawks-49ers game
Muffed punt call during Seahawks-49ers game (A to Z Sports)

As one fan wrote, “You expect us to believe that me sitting on my couch has more information than the one in NY making the call on game defining moments? Surrreee,” joined by another fan who exclaimed, “How is that even possible. Maybe the biggest Bullshit ever.” Some fans mocked the officials for their previous bias towards the Kansas City Chiefs, saying the right call would have been made if it was the Chiefs on the line. Here are some of the fan reactions: 

There was also criticism of both the officiating crew and the NFL’s handling of the situation. Perhaps, this raises a bigger question about the persistent issues surrounding officiating consistency within the league.