Sunday night’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles was a hard-fought game that came down to the wire. And unfortunately, it was ultimately decided by a controversial defensive holding penalty that set up a game-winning Chiefs field goal. And even though fans may not have liked the call, the referees insist it was the right decision.
During a press conference after the game, referee Carl Cheffers explained why the penalty was called and revealed that there is no doubt in his mind that it was the correct decision to throw the flag.
“The receiver went to the inside and he was attempting to release to the outside. The defender grabbed the jersey with his right hand and restricted him from releasing to the outside. So, therefore, we called defensive holding,” Cheffers said according to Pro Football Talk.
Cheffers was asked during the press conference if there was any debate or discussion about the call between the NFL referees, but he said there was not because the call was clear.
“It was a clear case of a jersey grab that caused restriction,” Cheffers said. “There was no debate. Just making sure what he had, and once he told us what he had, we went about our business.”
While fans might not be satisfied by this explanation, Eagles cornerback James Bradberry also admitted that it was a penalty and the referees made the correct call.
About Kevin Harrish