NFL

These Referees Ruined Super Bowls With Their Controversial Calls

Darren - February 16, 2023

NFL

These Referees Ruined Super Bowls With Their Controversial Calls

Darren - February 16, 2023

Offensive Pass Interference

Super Bowl XL is one of the most notorious sports events in history because of the number of controversial calls. The Seahawks found themselves on the wrong side of most of these as Pittsburgh won the game. It’s tough to know where to start because there were so many polarizing moments (via Bleacher Report).

There was a rare offensive pass interference call in the first quarter. Matt Hasselbeck threw a fine pass to Darrell Jackson who scored the game’s first touchdown. Or that’s what he thought because an official had other ideas. They noticed that he shoved Chris Hope on his way to the end zone and infuriated the Seattle fanbase.

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Warner’s Forward Pass

Here’s another time when the referee decided a Super Bowl’s outcome. The Cardinals made a rare appearance in the big game against the Buccaneers. But one moment of controversial officiating ruined their day because there was a huge mistake. Kurt Warner threw a pass downfield but the referee judged that it was a fumble.

Cardinals fans cried that the moment cost them a potential win. It’s possible that the play would have gone nowhere. But this was when Larry Fitzgerald was at his brilliant best. Arizona had a clutch of talent waiting to explode in the final moments. In the end, the officials wrongly took this away from them (via Phoenix New Times).

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Holding Call

Ben Roethlisberger put his team in trouble with a horrible throw in Super Bowl XL. The Seahawks returned this and made major gains with the chance to score from the one-yard line. But then a notorious holding call against Seattle rattled their cages. Pittsburgh fans think that the officials made the right decision.

But this was one of the most divisive moments in Super Bowl history. Many people accused the NFL of fixing the game, which isn’t impossible. Remember, the NFL is a registered sports entertainment company so it wouldn’t be illegal. However, it is incredibly unethical and against the spirit of the sport (via ESPN).

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The Ghost Touchdown

Several of Super Bowl XL’s controversial calls found a place on this list. But this one was arguably the least forgivable because there’s no room for interpretation. Ben Roethlisberger scored a touchdown that never was. That’s right, he fell short of the endzone but the officials awarded him the score.

It’s not surprising that Seattle fans accused the NFL of fixing the game. Referee Bill Leavy reviewed the play but inexplicably allowed the score to stand. Later, he apologized to the Seahawks fanbase but it was too late. He became a persona non grata in the city and they hate every fiber of his being (via Worthly).

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These Referees Ruined Super Bowls With Their Controversial Calls

These Referees Ruined Super Bowls With Their Controversial Calls

Offensive Pass Interference

Warner’s Forward Pass

Holding Call

The Ghost Touchdown

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