In a Thursday night game that was quite competitive between the Atlanta Falcons and the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the attention should have been on the players doing their best on the field.
But throughout Thursday night’s game, the NFL referee crew found itself in the middle of many controversial calls that set this game on fire on social media.
What Were NFL Fans Saying About Referees In Atlanta-Tampa Bay Game?
Let’s start out with one play that was getting a lot of attention. In this play, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson fumbled the ball, and there was a swarm of Buccaneers players around the ball. But, eventually, the fumble was recovered by the Falcons. At least that’s what the referees ruled on the field.
The play was getting so much attention that fans were beside themselves. To add insult to injury, a Zane Gonzalez game-winning field goal put the Falcons over the Buccaneers 29-28, putting a dent in the Buccaneers’ NFL postseason hopes.
The Falcons recovered this fumble 🤯 pic.twitter.com/FELRlqS1ft
— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2025
For the game, the NFL referees called 23 total penalties, 19 of which were against the Falcons. ESPN Buccaneers reporter Jenna Laine headed out to X and posted, “How is that not a Bucs ball? TV angles only show creamsicle jerseys on that ball.”
New York Giants beat reporter Art Stapleton for USA Today wrote on X, “How did Atlanta get that ball back?” JC – Former World Champion LLC also had a reaction and wrote, “Ummmm… WHO actually handed the ball to the refs?! Because THAT Atlanta “fumble recovery” is SUSPECT.”
Then “The Caveman,” co-host of the “Against the Blitz,” said after seeing the play take place, “You’re telling me… that here, Bijan had ENOUGH possession to call this a catch and fumble, but Isaiah Likely DIDN’T have enough possession in the endzone to call that a touchdown last week?! The NFL needs to figure it OUT.”
You’re telling me… that here, Bijan had ENOUGH possession to call this a catch and fumble, but Isaiah Likely DIDN’T have enough possession in the endzone to call that a touchdown last week?!
The NFL needs to figure it OUT. https://t.co/whiY7kx3rs
— The Caveman (@thecavemannfl) December 12, 2025
Veteran sports commentator Skip Bayless had a thing or two to say about the play as well. Bayless headed out to X and wrote, “How did the Falcons recover that fumble??? No idea – but the Bucs didn’t complain.”
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Another play that got some criticism was a touchdown catch by Falcons wide receiver Kyle Pitts. Pitts appeared to pull in a touchdown pass from Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins while landing nearly out of bounds.
After some consultation, the referees ruled that Pitts had scored a touchdown on the play. Some fans were incredulous over what the referees called on the field. Sports commentator JaxT wrote on X, “These Refs are wild, Isaiah Likely’s catch was no TD, but that Pitts catch was…”
Another user had a comment about the play, too, and wrote, “NFL is so trash now. Pitt’s elbow was out of bounds, that wasn’t a TD, and Mooney 100% lost that fumble, and TB recovered.”
The NFL game referees were really involved in Thursday night’s game. Don’t think for a minute, fans, especially for the Falcons and Buccaneers, will not be still upset over what took place on the field.
