The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a big Week 11 win against the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 34-12. With this win, they accumulated a 6-4 record and maintained their lead in the AFC North. The Steelers are ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns.
However, the most talked-about topic after the game at Acrisure Stadium was the chaos that took over the field when Jalen Ramsey and Ja’Marr Chase got into a fight with 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Referees Did Not See Ja’Marr Chase Spit at Jalen Ramsey
The referees saw Chase’s punch and ejected the receiver from the game. The NFL will likely impose a penalty on the Bengals player during the week. CBS Sports broadcast captured images of this punch from several angles.
This situation resulted in a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, turning a possible 4th down and 1 for the Bengals into an automatic first down. Shortly after the game ended, images appeared on the internet showing the Steelers’ cornerback allegedly spitting at Chase.
The referees and CBS broadcast did not capture this moment. However, a video recorded by FOX’s Austin Briski with a field view shows the exact moment of the spit.
Field-level view of the second altercation between Ja’Marr Chase and Jalen Ramsey. Chase said “I didn’t spit on nobody.”
The video clearly shows he did.#Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/ooGzInoPdS
— Austin Briski (@austin_briski) November 16, 2025
This was not the only tense moment in the match. Ramsey and Chase had been taunting each other on the field since the first half. Both received penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct after a scuffle following the play that preceded Ramsey’s ejection. Both grabbed each other’s helmet masks and began fighting.
Both were warned by the referees that the next unsportsmanlike foul would result in disqualification. However, Ramsey would have been sent off regardless of the previous foul, considering the violence of the punch thrown at his opponent. Chase remained on the field because he did not retaliate with a punch. He benefited because the referees did not see him spit.
This penalty took Cincinnati to Pittsburgh’s 29-yard line for a first down and 10 yards. The Bengals failed to capitalize on the opportunity to score an easy touchdown. However, the field goal reduced the deficit to 20-12.
This play would have been more controversial for the Steelers had it not been for the two defensive touchdowns at the end of the game. Those touchdowns gave them a big lead.
How Did The Fans React?
The release of the images by FOX on social media led to an uproar among fans of various teams, who demanded that Chase be suspended. Many called for a suspension in the coming weeks.
“Fine incoming,” one fan wrote, suggesting that the NFL will impose a heavy fine but will avoid suspending Chase.
Fine incoming
— Nick (@dnlien) November 16, 2025
One fan wrote, “Oh damn he did spit. Ramsey was justified to go after him”, implying that Ramsey’s punch was entirely justified due to his opponent’s previous behavior. Other fans followed suit when commenting on the matter.
Oh damn he did spit. Ramsey was justified to go after him
— MikeyP (@MikeyPSmith1) November 16, 2025
A few fans called for Chase’s suspension. One fan wrote, “damn that’s nasty you gettin suspended lil bro @Real10jayy__.” Another fan wrote, “Clear as day. Should be suspended and fined.”
damn that’s nasty you gettin suspended lil bro @Real10jayy__
— ᎷᎥᏦᏋ 🗽 (@itsMiikkee) November 16, 2025
One of the reactions that attracted the most attention came from a fan who pointed out that Chase denied spitting in a post-match interview, stating that he did nothing to provoke a more intemperate reaction from Ramsey.
One fan wrote, “Diabolical he tried to lie lmao.”
Diabolical he tried to lie lmao
— Tyler (@TylerL349) November 16, 2025
One fan, visibly enraged, wrote, “My only complaint is Ramsey should’ve hit him harder.”
My only complaint is Ramsey should’ve hit him harder
— Sam Westerman (@S_West__) November 16, 2025
Although the referees did not impose any punishment for the spitting incident, a harsher punishment is expected in the coming days. According to Adam Schefter, the NFL will investigate the matter for potential discipline, with at least a one-match suspension expected for the Bengals WR.