Head coach Mike Vrabel angrily criticizes officiating crew led by Shawn Smith after a “no-call” decision when Stefon Diggs was assaulted by Seahawks’ Josh Jobe right in front of the officials during Super Bowl LX
Santa Clara, California – Super Bowl LX, held on February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium, ended with a 13–29 loss for the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks. But beyond the final score, the game left behind a fierce controversy surrounding officiating during one of the most critical moments of the NFL’s championship stage.
The center of the outrage stemmed from a play in the fourth quarter, as the Patriots were pushing for late points in an effort to mount a comeback. Stefon Diggs was forcefully shoved out of bounds by Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe, before the two engaged in a brief hand-to-hand altercation that immediately triggered an angry reaction from the Patriots’ sideline.
THE #SEAHAWKS JUST TOOK AN INTENTIONALLY DIRTY SHOT ON STEFON DIGGS AND THEN PUNCHED HIM.
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 9, 2026
NO CALL FROM THE REFS.
One of the worst officiated Super Bowls we have ever seen.
pic.twitter.com/m49791vpvi
Multiple videos circulating on X showed Jobe allegedly throwing the first punch, while officials stood very close to the play and failed to throw a flag. One referee was even seen appearing to reach for his flag before ultimately ruling a no-call — no penalty, no ejection — completely halting the Patriots’ drive.
That decision instantly ignited fury across the fanbase. On X, countless posts labeled the officials “blind” and “worthless,” arguing that Diggs was openly assaulted right in front of referees without any form of protection. Hashtags such as #SuperBowlLX, #NFLDrama, and #Seahawks quickly surged in engagement, reflecting a growing loss of faith in the fairness of the game.
On the sideline, Mike Vrabel could not hide his anger. After the game, he openly criticized the officiating crew led by Shawn Smith. “This was one of the worst-officiated Super Bowls I’ve seen in a very long time. One of our players gets hit right in front of the officials, on the biggest stage in the NFL, and there is absolutely no response. That’s unacceptable.”
The play did not only spark questions of fairness, but also directly impacted the flow of the game. The Patriots’ drive was cut short at the exact moment they desperately needed momentum, while the Seahawks continued to control the contest behind a defense widely described as “ferocious” throughout the night.
Although it did not alter the Seahawks’ championship result, the “dirty shot on Stefon Diggs” has become a defining symbol of the controversies surrounding Super Bowl LX. For many, the game will be remembered not only for the victory, but for the lingering questions about officiating on one of the biggest stages in American sports.
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