Ad Disclosure
A lot of fans and media are aligning on social media during Super Bowl LV. They’re not agreeing with how the first half of Sunday’s game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs is being officiated.
In particular, a lot of individuals on social media thought the Chiefs got the short end of the stick in the first 30 minutes. And looking at the box score, there might be an argument.
Halfway through the game, Kansas City was flagged 8 times for 95 yards while Tampa Bay was penalized just 1 time for 5 yards. That’s just a little uneven, isn’t it.
But that’s not all. A Tom Brady interception was negated because of a defensive holding call. There was also a pass interference call made on a pass from Brady that sailed through the back of the end zone and appeared to be uncatchable, keeping Tampa Bay’s final touchdown drive alive.
In total, the Chiefs were flagged three times on the Buccaneers’ final drive. Tampa scored with 6 seconds left to take a 21-6 lead into the locker room. Here’s what fans and media are saying about the officiating:
These refs are not performing well on the biggest stage! Hate to see games of this magnitude being influenced so much by the refs. Hate it!
— David Pollack (@davidpollack47) February 8, 2021
https://twitter.com/vernefunquist/status/1358578987384070145?s=21
Interesting that the NFL went with a B1G officiating crew for the Super Bowl.
— Martha the Mop Lady (@TheMopLady) February 8, 2021
Brady throws a pick #SuperBowlLV
The refs:pic.twitter.com/vCSsFMLQ59
— SideAction OS (@SideActionHQ) February 8, 2021
Congrats to penalty flag on an amazing half of football.
— John Green (@sportswithjohn) February 8, 2021
They definitely cheating for Tom Brady 😂😂😂😂
— KYLE 🖕🏽 (@thekillakay_) February 8, 2021
It’s honestly shocking how bad the refs are in this game. #Chiefs gotta beat 2-Man, but the Refs helping #Bucs big time. Fix this @nfl
— Bernard Pollard Jr (@Crushboy31) February 8, 2021
https://twitter.com/tjlang70/status/1358578276063657988?s=21
These are some tough tough flags
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) February 8, 2021
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB