VIDEO: Fans Aren't Happy About Refs' Pass Interference Call on George Kittle at End of First Half
By Scott Rogust
The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers entered halftime of Super Bowl LIV tied at 10-10. However, that almost...almost wasn't the case. In the closing seconds of the first half, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo appeared to hit tight end George Kittle on a deep pass, setting them up in the red zone. However, referees deemed that Kittle had interfered with Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen on the route.
No way is this OPI on George Kittle. This jostling happens 15 times a game. Horrible cal pic.twitter.com/4H4Gq557zZ
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) February 3, 2020
The call was certainly up for interpretation. Both Sorensen and Kittle were battling for position. The NFL league offices in New York deemed that Kittle significantly hindered Sorensen's attempted coverage.
An explanation on George Kittle's pass interference ⬇️ #SBLIV https://t.co/pvvFL1jjMo
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 3, 2020
Still, that didn't make it's viewers any happier who were looking for a Super Bowl with minimal screen time for referees.
George Kittle committed offensive pass interference, Kyle Rudolph didn't.
— Thomas Sullivan (@Yfz84) February 3, 2020
It always goes back to New Orleans.
An absolute BS pass interference call on George Kittle before the half. The 49ers have been robbed of three points before the half.
— Left Field Podcast (@leftfield_pod) February 3, 2020
The 49ers could've had a much-desired lead at the half.
While the call is a controversial one, it's time for the 49ers to move on and ensure it doesn't play a factor in the final score.