WINNIPEG – It was a heart wrenching loss for Bomber fans after Friday night’s game but it possibly could have had a different outcome.
The referee who called the “no end” penalty on the Bombers ending their drive to the end zone is now facing disciplinary action for making the “wrong call” according to an online statement released by the CFL Saturday.
“Near the conclusion of last night’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Calgary Stampeders game in Winnipeg, an illegal procedure call had a significant impact on the game.,” said Glen Johnson, CFL VP of Officiating. “Our review of the call has concluded it was an incorrect call. The official who made it is being disciplined in accordance with the gravity of the situation.”
With the score sitting at 25-22 for Calgary in the fourth quarter, there was one minute and 10 seconds left on the clock and the Blue Bombers were marching down the field. They were stopped short of a second down at the 51 yard line with just inches to get the down.
When quarterback Matt Nichols snapped the ball and successfully got the down to keep the drive alive, the referee called a penalty on the Bombers, ending all hope of a comeback.
Late Saturday the Bombers responded with comment via email.
“We’re deeply disappointed in what happened last night regarding the officiating error, as acknowledged by the league,” said Wade Miller, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “While we understand that mistakes happen, it is extremely frustrating for our organization, and our fans, that it occurred at such a crucial point in the game, and our season.”
The CFL wouldn’t specify what discipline the referee would be facing.
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