The Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers in Thursday’s first Thanksgiving Day game, kicking off the NFL’s Week 13. Both teams have seven wins, making this NFC North matchup crucial for the division title, with the Chicago Bears (8-3) leading the standings.
The intense rivalry between these franchises was already making this the most anticipated matchup for many in the Thanksgiving round. However, as the game unfolded this season, officiating again became a focal point, with a controversial call arising that could prove decisive.
NFL Referee Made a Decisive Mistake in Packers vs. Lions
The controversy arose during a crucial play in the second quarter on 4th & 1, with the Packers close to the goal line and in danger of failing to advance inside the red zone. At that point, a flag was thrown for a false start. Then, head referee Ron Torbert announced a ‘correction,’ stating that Matt LaFleur had called a timeout before the foul.
Despite this, several FOX broadcast angles showed that Matt LaFleur clearly signaled for a timeout well after the false start had already occurred. This sequence prevented the play from being converted to a 4th-and-6. Even though Dan Campbell protested vehemently, the officials overturned the false start, allowing a TD to be scored shortly thereafter.
Very questionable timeout call here by the refs: You can see Packers HC Matt LaFleur come in late for the timeout.
What was originally called false start on the Packers was then overturned and Green Bay got the timeout – and scored a TD on the next play.pic.twitter.com/VysF4pda2R
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 27, 2025
If the penalty had been upheld rather than reversed as described, the Packers would likely have opted to kick a field goal and finished the quarter with 13 points. However, due to the overturned call, Green Bay attempted the conversion and scored a TD on the next play, reaching 17 points before halftime in one of the major NFL refree mistakes of the season.
FOX reporter Tom Rinaldi noted that LaFleur was yelling for a timeout, but referees initially did not hear him. This led the Lions’ head coach to move to the sideline to signal for a timeout. Regardless, if the timeout came after the false start, the Packers should still have been penalized, reinforcing the controversy.
The decision, which could affect the final score, angered NFL fans on social media. Even Thanksgiving spirit didn’t prevent widespread irritation, as one fan posted, “No surprise GB cheats to win.”
NFL Analysts Upset After Major Referee Mistake Against the Lions
Analysts reflected on social media the widespread frustration over the call. For example, Shannon Sharpe wrote, “Not sure that timeout was called b4 that false start.
Nevertheless, TD Packers.” Similarly, Ari Meirov commented, “The more I watch this, the worse it looks. Awful.” Their reactions were built on the social media outcry described earlier.
Absolutely atrocious call here by the refs. https://t.co/3tnACzL1OA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 27, 2025
The more I watch this, the worse it looks. Awful. https://t.co/ZBZYhm90G0
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 27, 2025
The refs just gifted the Packers a touchdown.
pic.twitter.com/oZKJxOvWab— JPA (@jasrifootball) November 27, 2025
Not sure that timeout was called b4 that false start. Never the less TD Packers
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) November 27, 2025
Terrible call and the Packers get a TD out of it. Really bad look for these officials.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) November 27, 2025
Adding to the officiating controversy, this was the second significant miscall of Thursday. Earlier, the Packers scored a touchdown on a pass from Jordan Love to Dontayvion Wicks in the second quarter, but replays showed Wicks did not have control of the ball, compounding frustration over the referee’s decisions.
