Waved-Off Interference Call on Rob Gronkowski in End Zone Draws Heavy Criticism on Social Media

For the second time in two days, all the talk following a thrilling NFL game has centered around the officials.

On Sunday, it was the referee’s decision to penalize 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks for his fourth-quarter hit to the chest/neck region of Saints quarterback Drew Brees, negating a fumble and giving New Orleans a first down in a game it would go on to win 23-20.

The following night, a call the refs chose not to make was the subject of even greater criticism.

With three seconds remaining in Monday night’s Patriots-Panthers matchup and New England trailing 24-20, Tom Brady lofted a throw in the direction of Rob Gronkowski in the end zone. The pass was picked off, but the back judge threw his flag after linebacker Luke Kuechly wrapped Gronkowski in a bear hug. That penalty was then waved off, however, and Clete Blakeman‘s officiating staff trotted off the field without offering an explanation.

Brady was livid after the play, and reaction on postgame shows and social media seemed to largely support the quarterback’s complaints.

Check out a sampling of that reaction in the tweets below.

[tweet https://twitter.com/jwyattsports/status/402670153185628160 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/SI_PeterKing/status/402660724343701504 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/bruceallen/status/402666216671965184 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/miketirico/statuses/402786216430800896 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/ByTimGraham/statuses/402688801111158784 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/RefereeJimD/statuses/402659269205827585 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/DaleEArnold/status/402667304229810176 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/jemelehill/status/402664170208124928 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/PeteAbe/status/402663429900886016 align=’center’%5D

[tweet https://twitter.com/MikePereira/status/402659742775902208 align=’center’%5D