Bills fans and players voiced their frustrations on Sunday after officials missed a blatant pass interference call on Denver’s Pat Surtain II that could have cost Buffalo a touchdown.
The foul that should have occurred in the end zone would have given the Bills a first and goal. Instead, they had to settle for a field goal. Bills quarterback Josh Allen was as visibly upset by the call as the fans were audibly upset.
Bad miss by the officiating here—clear holding on Denver, with the official standing right there. pic.twitter.com/aVeZ343Vin
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025
However, what happened next was truly bizarre. Referee Bill Vinovich appeared to walk over to the Buffalo sideline to apologize to Josh Allen for the bad call.
Bill Vinovich and Josh Allen having a chat pic.twitter.com/2LFbSXo6ua
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 12, 2025
Seeing an NFL official go all the way over—not just to the sideline but to the bench—to discuss a call with a player may be unprecedented. It’s at least an extremely rare occurrence and one that angered many on social media.
I get mad every time I see Bill Vinovich. Every. Single. Time.
— Charles Hanagriff (@C_Hanagriff) January 12, 2025
How is Bill Vinovich still an NFL official? And how on earth is he assigned to a playoff game?
— Nick Domingue (@geauxnick) January 12, 2025
Yeah, officiating is fair in the NFL. What a joke.
— Jeffrey Marlowe (@DBFanInExile) January 12, 2025
He’s like my bad Josh! I’ll get you on the next one 😂
— 🔥 CEO Branding Expert (@Ceo_Branding) January 12, 2025
Don’t worry little buddy we will get you a few calls to turn this around for you.
— Derek Neighbors (@dneighbors) January 12, 2025
Josh Allen getting an apology from the ref during a playoff game ? This is nasty work lmao pic.twitter.com/Q85APwyIrh
— John (@iam_johnw) January 12, 2025
Thats a bad call against the broncos. But I’m sure we’ll see the ref go over to Sean Peyton and let him know like they did for Josh Allen. pic.twitter.com/muxS8BHtDB
— Josh The Boxer (@JoshTheBoxerDog) January 12, 2025
There’s much to be said for someone having the integrity to admit their mistakes. However, unless you go over to each sideline and apologize to each quarterback for each missed call (which no one will do), you shouldn’t do it. Otherwise, you will get accused of exactly what fans are accusing Vinovich of right now: Favoritism.
No matter, the Bills beat the Broncos 31-7 and will advance to the AFC Divisional Round, where they will face the Ravens.
