Sunday’s AFC Champions League first half includes referee error This cost the Patriots a defensive touchdown. Although they still ended up with possession (and a 12-yard field goal), the referees incorrectly ruled a backward pass as an incomplete forward pass.
After the game, referee Alex Kemp was interviewed by pool reporter Jeff Legwold. Kemp took responsibility for the mistake.
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Here is the full transcript:
“Q: What was the impetus for the second-quarter ruling, changing the call from an incomplete pass to a backwards pass recovered by New England?
“Kemp: I initially ruled it was a forward pass, which was incorrect. I then called an intentional ground foul. The downfield official and the referee came over to talk to me and provided more information. The downfield official explained that he extended his right arm to signal that he had a backward pass, at which point we determined that New England had caught the backward pass. We awarded possession to New England without any progress because we were not allowed to allow forward play at this time.
“Q: Is there any unintentional whistling?
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“Kemp: The whistle stopped the play, but that was after the New England player had caught the ball.”
They got it right and then got it wrong. But the game should continue and the Patriots should score a touchdown. It’s safer to let it play out, as replay can turn a bad call on a backward pass into an incomplete.
It would be irresponsible to downplay the moment or excuse the mistake because the Patriots ended up scoring. Since there are no replays to keep the game alive, it should be kept as such.
Especially in a game of this magnitude.
