Another Sunday, another game marred by controversial officiating.
This time it was the Cleveland Browns on the wrong end of a questionable call in the final minutes of their game against AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens.
With 2:09 remaining, the Browns were lining up to attempt a 56-yard game-tying field goal when it appeared that multiple Ravens jumped offsides prompting a flag to be thrown.
Instead, the flag was on the Browns, with long snapper Charley Hughlett called for a false start instead.
The penalty moved the Browns back five yards and resulted in Cade York attempting a 61-yard attempt instead. The kick was subsequently blocked and essentially secured the game for the Ravens.
Naturally, Browns fans were livid by the call, which was not the only questionable call during the game. The refs apparently missed a late hit on Jacoby Brissett while Amari Cooper was also flagged for offensive pass interference on what would have been a touchdown.
Fans, media and alike sounded off on social media about the officiating, particularly the “phantom” false start.
While a 56-yard attempt is no sure thing, the refs certainly did not do the Browns any favors and the officiating certainly played a significant outcome in the game.
The loss also resulted in the Browns dropping to 2-5 while the Ravens improved to 4-3 and remain in first place alongside the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North.
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