Controversy has sparked on social media
Controversy has already sparked after the Kansas City Chiefs’ opening game against the Baltimore Ravens, with many NFL fans questioning a key officiating decision that favored the Chiefs. Before halftime, with the Ravens threatening in the red zone, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called for a timeout from the sidelines.
According to NFL regulations, only a head coach is authorized to request timeouts, making this an unusual situation
NBC rules expert Terry McAulay was quick to criticize the officiating crew for allowing Spagnuolo to make the call, pointing out that this was a clear violation of the league’s rules.
“He can’t do that,” McAulay said. “It has to be the head coach to come down. Nobody else can call a timeout on the sidelines besides the head coach.”
The incident sparked outrage among fans, with many taking to social media to accuse the league of bias. Some even suggested that the decision reflected favoritism towards the Chiefs, a narrative that’s been brewing due to their consistent success over the past few seasons.
Fan reaction to Chiefs controversy
Fans speculated that this was just another example of questionable calls benefiting Kansas City, fueling claims that the game might have been unfairly influenced.
Refs let assistant coach Steve Spagnuolo call a timeout instead of HC Andy Reid… #BALvsKC pic.twitter.com/TmCRdZzApt
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) September 6, 2024
“THE REFS JUST LET THE CHIEFS GET A TIMEOUT OFF WHEN THEIR DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR CALLED IT LMAOOOOO RIGGED LEAGUE STRIKES AGAIN,” a fan wrote on X.
Another added: “Multiple Illegal formation calls ONLY on ravens, Spags calling a timeout when it should only be HC…THIS is why ppl think refs favor chiefs.”
“The #NFLRigged people don’t care that people have their own videos of the game where the rigging is obvious,” a third noted.
source:marca.com
