Report: NFL Suspends Side Judge For Clock Mistake In Steelers-Chargers Game

The NFL admitted there was a clock error during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ walk-off win over the San Diego Chargers on Monday, and now the man responsible has been disciplined.

After Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell punched in the winning touchdown after time expired, there actually should have been 18 seconds left on the clock. And sources told ProFootballTalk that the NFL has since suspended side judge Rob Vernatchi, who failed to correct the mistake, for one week without pay.

The incident happened with 2:56 left in the fourth quarter, when a clock operator accidentally started the clock before Pittsburgh made its first play after a touchback.

It’s interesting that there were repercussions for this game, but not for the illegal bat by the Seattle Seahawks that officials missed Oct. 5, costing the Detroit Lions a potential win — especially because, this time, the Steelers got what they needed in the time that they had.

PFT said the NFL didn’t respond to its request for comment Wednesday, and the website couldn’t reach the NFL Referees Association.

Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images