The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans entered Sunday's AFC South showdown in London heading in two different directions.
The Jags came in atop the division at 4-1 and riding a 3-game win streak, while the Texans arrived at just 1-4 after securing their first win of the season, a 26-3 victory over the winless Tennessee Titans in Week 5.
Sunday's contest offered an opportunity for Houston to build on that performance, and Jacksonville with a chance to cement its place as the team to beat in the AFC South. With the season nearing its midway point, it's a critical divisional clash for both teams that could have massive implications down the line.
But the game had some early controversy. The Jaguars appeared to have an easy touchdown when running back Bhayshul Tuten ran into the end zone on a short 3-yard run early in the second quarter, but officials wiped it off the board after calling tight end Brenton Strange for holding.
The decision immediately sparked reactions on social media, with many reviewing the play and failing to see any holding penalty at all. The call proved costly as well because Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was subsequently intercepted on the next play, and the drive ended without any points on the board.
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NFL fans quickly took to social media to blast the officials.
"Then Trevor throws a pick. Refs control every game. It’s sad," one fan wrote.
"May be one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen. Cost them 6," another commented.
"Genuinely think this is the worst the officials have been in my entire life. They’ve been awful all year," one other user wrote.
"This isn’t just blowing a call … there was literally no shot he could have held anyone. This is a made up call to take points off the board," another added.
"Different continent, same terrible officiating," another replied.
"When are we going to start holding officiating accountable?" one other fan questioned.
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The latest incident comes after several weeks of criticism directed at NFL refs. In Week 4, officials faced backlash over multiple situations, including a disputed catch by Raiders receiver Tre Tucker against the Chiefs, questions about the lack of a replay review, and an uneven penalty count in the Commanders' loss to the Colts. Washington was penalized 10 times for 84 yards, while Indianapolis received just one penalty for five yards.
That same week, video showed line judge Jeff Seeman directing profanity toward Cardinals star tight end, Trey McBride. NFL Players Association executive director JC Tretter called for officials to be held accountable to the same standards as players. Seeman was later suspended for two games by the NFL.
There have been several other incidents since, but the Jags' erased touchdown on Sunday was blatant and another example of why NFL refs are receiving so much criticism this season.