'The Refs' Trends on Twitter After Controversial Call Late in Super Bowl LVII

A less-than-ideal ending to an up-and-down officiating season.

For a league that prides itself on airtight officiating—officiating that has never been better, according to a recent declaration from commissioner Roger Goodell—this was not an ideal outcome.

The NFL's referees found themselves back in the spotlight after whistling Eagles cornerback James Bradberry for a controversial holding call in the final two minutes of the Chiefs' 38–35 victory in Super Bowl LVII. The call gave Kansas City new life on third-and-eight, and they capitalized on the opportunity with a go-ahead field goal from kicker Harrison Butker.

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In a sign of fans' distrust in the officiating process, "The Refs" trended on Twitter as the Chiefs celebrated their third Super Bowl victory.

Some tweets came in the form of sour grapes from Eagles fans.

The refs ruined one of the greatest games ever. pic.twitter.com/eMnj8wPJon

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) February 13, 2023

Some came in the form of general groveling from neutral fans and analysts.

The fact that the two best teams in the league were throwing haymakers at each other for 58 minutes only for the refs to basically decide the game is really a tragedy.

No professional sports season should end like this.

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) February 13, 2023

one of the best super bowls I’ve watched ruined by the refs😂

— timthetatman👑 (@timthetatman) February 13, 2023

Jalen Hurts in the Super Bowl:

27/38
374 total yards
4 TDs
103.4 passer rating

He was incredible. The refs and defense let him down.

— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) February 13, 2023

the refs taking away an amazing super bowl ending from us pic.twitter.com/lVz4rjb7ts

— Annie Agar (@AnnieAgar) February 13, 2023

Kansas City literally gets bailed out by the refs every close game

— Will Compton (@_willcompton) February 13, 2023

We had 58 amazing minutes of the game, then the refs decided to pick the winner.#Chiefs win the Super Bowl 38-35.

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 13, 2023

And some came in the form of grave-dancing as a season for the ages in Philadelphia ended without a title.

Eagles fans complaining about the refs but got outscored 24-11 in the second half 😹🫵🏽 pic.twitter.com/NSL59iMVkj

— mo👍🏾 (@jettasftw2_) February 13, 2023