NFL fans furious as refs avoid throwing flag at crucial moment in Falcons-Chiefs game

NFL fans watching the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs games were upset with the officiating at the end of the game on a play involving tight end Kyle Pitts.

Kirk Cousins ​​led the Falcons on a 15-play drive and brought the offense within 6 yards of a touchdown. On a 3rd-and-5, Cousins ​​threw a pass to Pitts, who was covered by Chiefs defender Bryan Cook.

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, No. 8, misses the catch against Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, No. 6, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook, #6, breaks up a pass against Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, #8, in the end zone during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on September 22, 2024. (Images by Dale Zanine-Imagn)

As the ball reached the end zone, it appeared that Pitts was held back as he tried to catch the ball. Cook was seen with his arms wrapped around the tight end’s waist. Pitts was unable to catch the ball. No penalty was called. On the next play, Cousins ​​threw an incomplete pass to Drake London.

The Falcons lost the ball on downs. Atlanta had another possession and took the ball to the Chiefs 13-yard line and also lost the ball on downs.

Fans have pointed the finger at Pitts’ play as the cause of their pain.

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Falcons head coach Raheem Morris avoided discussing the play.

“I like my money,” Morris said. “I like the money Arthur Blank gives me. I’m smart enough to be aware enough to talk about the referees. They made the call, or they didn’t make the call. That’s the way it is. We had a chance to win the football game on the last play of the game.”

While fans were unhappy, the referees defended the decision not to award the match.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, #8, runs against Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid, #20, after a catch during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on September 22, 2024. (Images by Dale Zanine-Imagn)

“It’s a real-time decision that the referees have to make. From the perspective they had at that moment, they didn’t feel a foul was committed,” head referee Tra Blake told reporter D. Orlando Ledebetter.

Blake added: “It’s a judgment call we have to make in real time, yes. We’re doing everything we can to make that decision.”

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The Chiefs improved to 3-0 with the win and the Falcons fell to 1-2.

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