Robert Saleh was not happy with the performance from the referees during the Jets’ loss to the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, and he went utterly ballistic after a controversial flag went against New York’s defense in the fourth quarter.
After Patrick Mahomes threw a would-be interception, an official flagged Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner with a questionable defensive holding call which returned possession to Kansas City.
Saleh was irate, and he lost his cool while confronting an official over the consequential penalty flag. The 44-year-old was animated as he shouted at the official and gestured in disbelief.
OH WOW: #Jets Head coach Robert Saleh is NOT HAPPY that the #NFL refs are making sure Patrick Mahomes will win in prime time, no MATTER HOW
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 2, 2023
😳
pic.twitter.com/y03D5BeaDo
The penalty flag wiped out what would have been the Jets’ third interception of Mahomes. The Chiefs were gift-wrapped a fresh set of downs, from which they were able to run out the clock and win the game.
New York had been playing one of its best games of the season on both sides of the ball, and the late flag ended up costing them a chance to drive down the field and score a potential winning touchdown.
Gardner, who was penalized on the play, looked equally upset as his head coach, and could be seen smacking his own helmet in frustration after his costly penalty.
