Getty Image
Football fans aren’t happy with how the Colts-Browns game ended on Sunday. Many have already hopped on social media to voice their “NFL is rigged” takes.
In a back-and-forth game, Cleveland trailed 38-33 late in the fourth quarter. The Browns found their way into the redzone with a chance to take one-point lead, getting all the way down to the one-yard line.
However, Indianapolis held strong, stopping their opponent on four straight plays. They appeared to make the game-winning stop on a fourth-and-goal incomplete pass. Then, some dirty laundry made its way onto the field.
Referees threw a flag, calling the Colts for pass interference. Many believe that flag should’ve been picked up due to an uncatchable ball.
Refs called this on the Colts THE SCRIPT IS ALIVE!!! That is uncatchable #Browns #Colts pic.twitter.com/MI2UNc2N5c
— Alex Monaco (@Alex__Monaco) October 22, 2023
After getting a fresh set of downs, the Browns would score with 15 seconds on the clock, beating the Colts 39-38.
Fans were furious.
“Anyone with two eyes can see that this is an UNCATCHABLE PASS… Refs dictating the outcome of games is bad for the sport. Colts are going to lose because of this. Unacceptable.”
“This can’t happen in today’s NFL. We have 100 cameras all over the field. Instant access to the video feeds, and we can’t review game changing penalties?”
“The ball almost landed in the stands.”
“Colts win this game without the Browns paying the refs.”
The Browns receiver was contacted by the Colts defender, but there was no way the pass was going to be completed. Pass interference penalties can be picked up if the ball isn’t catchable, but the officiating crew didn’t use that judgement on Sunday.
In this instance, that should have been the case. Tough break for Indianapolis.