The NFL has taken swift action following intense backlash from fans, players, and analysts after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. According to multiple league sources, the officiating crew led by referee Clay Martin has been officially suspended pending review — a rare move that underscores the gravity of the controversy.
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The decision comes after widespread outrage over a series of questionable and inconsistent calls that directly impacted the outcome of the game. Steelers players, including Joey Porter Jr., openly criticized the officiating, while even rival legends like Ray Lewis demanded an NFL investigation.
Here are the five most controversial officiating errors that led to the suspension:
1. Defensive Pass Interference on Jalen Ramsey (2nd Quarter)
Officials flagged Ramsey while covering Ja’Marr Chase in the end zone, leading directly to a Bengals touchdown. Replay, however, showed Chase pushing off first, suggesting offensive pass interference should have been called — or none at all. Steelers fans labeled it a “gifted TD” for the Bengals.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 17, 2025
2. False Start on Steelers Tush Push (1st or 2nd Quarter)
The Steelers attempted their signature short-yardage Tush Push, but referees penalized the offensive line for a false start — a call rarely enforced on similar plays around the league. Fans called it “inconsistent officiating” and claimed it stalled early momentum.
Eagles jump like this on every tush push. Never gets called. Steelers do it. There’s yellow flags everywhere. NFL get a clue! pic.twitter.com/BODGoklFMk
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) October 17, 2025
3. Ticky-Tack Holding Penalty Cancels Steelers TD (1st Quarter)
A minor holding call on OL Jaylen Warren erased a touchdown run that would have extended the lead. Even on slow motion, minimal contact was visible. Steelers fans blasted the call as “soft” and accused refs of “taking away points.”
A really nice touchdown run here by Jaylen Warren is negated by a #Steelers holding call: pic.twitter.com/D86DOb9CSf
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) October 17, 2025Eagles tickets
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4. Missed Holding on Bengals OL (Throughout the Game)
Bengals offensive linemen appeared to clearly hold multiple times on returns and pass protection, yet no calls were made. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh was repeatedly flagged for similar plays. Esiason himself reposted one clip, commenting: “How’s that not holding?”
5. Early Whistle on Bengals Dead Ball (4th Quarter)
Refs blew the play dead prematurely during a potential Steelers interception return, citing forward progress. Review showed the receiver was still moving — costing Pittsburgh a big defensive swing late in the game.
An NFL spokesperson stated that the league “will review all officiating procedures and accountability measures moving forward,” while insiders confirmed Clay Martin’s crew will not officiate any Week 8 games.
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For Steelers fans, though, the damage has been done — and as one fan put it best:
“We didn’t lose to the Bengals. We lost to the refs.”
