Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passes the ball for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter of the AFC Championship game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
The noise in Arrowhead Stadium apparently prevented the other officials from hearing the whistle. Bengals coach Zac Taylor was irate on the sideline. On the next play, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked for an 8-yard loss, but Bengals cornerback Eli Apple was called for holding on the play.
NFL fans burst into anger on social media.
NFL STAR JOEY BOSA GOES ON EXPLICIT TIRADE TOWARD HECKLING EAGLES FAN: 'YOU F---ING LOSER!'
Luckily, for the Bengals, the defense was able to hold strong against the Chiefs and force them to punt after three extra plays.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) covers his ears to receive a play in the first quarter of the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports)
On Cincinnati’s next drive, Joe Burrow threw an interception. The score stayed tied 20-20 for the time being with less than 7 minutes to play.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes signals before the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter of the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
Officiating issues also took hold of the NFC Championship between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.