NFL referees come under fire after overturning Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase touchdown vs Bills

close

Video

Fox News Flash top sports headlines for January 22

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase hauled in a perfectly placed Joe Burrow pass for a 10-yard score to pull away from the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional-round matchup at Highmark Stadium on Sunday.

Or so he thought. 

After reviewing the play, Chase's score, which would've been his second of the day, was overturned as NFL referees said he didn't have full control of the football.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, New York. (Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Images)

So, Chase McPherson kicked through a field goal just under the two-minute warning to give the Bengals a 17-7 lead at halftime rather than it being 21-7.

Taking a further look at the replay, Chase clearly hauls in the pass at its peak, but Bills linebacker Matt Milano shifts it as Chase puts it into his body.

DAMAR HAMLIN VISITS BILLS TEAMMATES AHEAD OF PLAYOFF GAME VS BENGALS

The controversy, though, comes from a still frame that appears to show Chase holding the ball and both of his feet on the ground. However, not everyone saw it that way.

"At that point, he’s going to create possession again, but his feet are going to be right out. By the time he does that, I think it’s the correct call," CBS color commentator Tony Romo said during the broadcast.

NFL fans weren't happy either.

Chase and the Bengals were visibly upset on the sideline when the call was made, and we'll ultimately see how it may affect the final score of this crucial playoff matchup.

TEE HIGGINS LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘HAPPY’ REUNION WITH DAMAR HAMLIN, SHARING ‘LAUGHS AND GIGGLES’ 

Ja'Marr Chase (1) of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball to score a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, New York. (Timothy T. Ludwig / Getty Images)

This is the first time these two teams have met since the tragic incident that saw Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffer a cardiac arrest in Week 17 of the regular season.

Hamlin has since recovered well after team doctors had to administer CPR and restore his heartbeat before the University of Cincinnati Medical Center staff continued to provide their services to keep him alive.

Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, New York. (Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Hamlin was seen in a suite at Highmark Stadium for the first time since his incident. He also gave the Bills a pep talk prior to kickoff.