Late in the fourth quarter of Monday Night Football, Chicago Bears outside linebacker Cassius Marsh sacked Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on third down.
This was taunting……pic.twitter.com/5svEhdHmPF
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) November 9, 2021
Normally, this would’ve led to a Steelers punt, meaning the Bears would have the ball down by three (23-20) with over three minutes to go.
However, after Marsh jumped in the air and did a high kick to celebrate, the referee threw a flag, calling a taunting penalty, giving the Steelers a first down.
Pittsburgh scored a field goal on the drive to go up 26-20. While the Bears replied with a touchdown, the Steelers nailed a late field goal to notch a 29-27 win. Many on social media fervently disagreed with the taunting call.
I absolutely hate the taunting penalty!!!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) November 9, 2021
Just wait until the taunting rule decides a playoff game
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) November 9, 2021
These refs are ruining the game with these taunting penalties smh
— Nicholas Williams (@NickWilliams_98) November 9, 2021
Bears showing a TON of heart tonight against the Steelers and the refs
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) November 9, 2021
You guys are all getting your jokes in but has anyone stopped to ask the Steelers bench if they are ok after that taunt.
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) November 9, 2021
I honestly hate that call… Steelers are lucky tonight let’s be real
— Michael Beck (@MichaelBeck56) November 9, 2021
So the refs really okay with deciding this one huh
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 9, 2021
Yo, these calls against the Bears tonight have been absolutely ridiculous. They already got robbed of a touchdown and now this taunting call. Wow.
— Justin Tinsley (@JustinTinsley) November 9, 2021
Damn the taunting call eternally to hell.
Awful.
— Brad Evans (@NoisyHuevos) November 9, 2021
The taunting rule is awful. The league should be ashamed.
A practice squad LB called up today just got a huge sack on MNF and celebrated facing the Steelers sideline IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD. Flag. Bears don't take over possession like they were supposed to.
Travesty.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) November 9, 2021
MARSHAL ARTS IS NOT TAUNTING
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) November 9, 2021
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