Barry Sanders, Desmond Howard speak out against referees

The officiating in Monday night’s Detroit Lions-Green Bay Packers game was so bad it had almost everyone watching commenting about it. A few former players were among those who spoke out against the refs.

Former Lions legend Barry Sanders called out the refs, saying a hands to the face penalty was “terrible.”

I know that no one on the @lions can say it, so I will… that is a terrible missed call, on hands to the face and bad break for our D that is playing so hard. #replayhelpneeded

— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) October 15, 2019

Sanders called the officiating “sickening.”

That is sickening… the @NFL needs to look at a way to prevent that from happening. Two phantom hands to the face calls really hurts us tonight. Yes, we could have scored TDs, but @Lions played too well to have the game end this way. #DETvsGB @espn

— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) October 15, 2019

Former Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard, who played for both teams during his NFL career, was even harsher with his tweets.

The refs need to be investigated. This is horrendous. Check bank accounts. #NoExcuses

— Desmond Howard (@DesmondHoward) October 15, 2019

Others who were supporting the Packers even recognized how bad things were.

I'm obviously biased toward the Packers, but the refs are taking this game away from the Lions.

— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) October 15, 2019

There were three penalties blown by the refs in the fourth quarter that changed the game.

The difference between winning and losing this game means Detroit is now in last place in the division instead of first.

NFC North:
Packers 5-1
Vikings 4-2
Bears 3-2
Lions 2-2-1

NFC North (if Lions win)
Lions 3-1-1
Packers 4-2
Vikings 4-2
Bears 3-2

The NFL refs inability to get basic calls correct are literally the difference between first place and last place for the Lions.

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) October 15, 2019

The importance of these missed calls cannot be understated.