The game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots wasn’t without its controversy.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans will be insufferable for the next while following their controversial loss to the Patriots.
The Steelers were beaten 27-24, but their fans are crying robbery after their last-gasp touchdown was ruled out on a technicality. With about 30 seconds left in the game, Ben Roethlisberger found tight end Jesse James at the goal line who dived for what looked like the game-winning touchdown.
However, upon review, the officials ruled that James did not “survive the ground” following his almighty leap. The replays showed that the ball appeared to bobble out of his control as he landed.
RT if you think Steelers got Robbed pic.twitter.com/Pi8Svd4Wpb
— Siku (@FB1SLYFE) December 18, 2017
A couple of plays later the fat lady was belting out a familiar tune. Roethlisberger threw an interception in the endzone and that was that.
The Patriots won the game and control of the umber one seed in the AFC.
PICKED! 😱😱😱 #NEvsPIT https://t.co/4OerTkMB5c
— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2017
Why was it so controversial, you may ask? Well, inconsistency in officiating seems to be the answer.
Under the rules, it appeared to be a fair enough call to overturn the touchdown, but that rule doesn’t appear to be implemented all that often in the NFL.
Steelers Nation, I present to you Exhibit B
Call stands a TOUCHDOWN
Referee: Pete Morelli (now full-time)But "it was a rule for a long time" 🤔🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/VK4uHkdPz0
— 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 (@steelcityundrgr) December 18, 2017
Even the Patriots weren’t pulled up on it earlier this season.
This was the Patriots' game-winning touchdown catch against the Texans earlier this season. Was called a catch live and after review. Cooks comes down to the ground and loses control of the ball as it touches the ground. Seems relevant considering the @steelers and @JJames18_ pic.twitter.com/PWfEC3vjQh
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) December 18, 2017
No wonder why Steelers fans are so ticked off.