The NFL has rebutted allegations that the Kansas City Chiefs benefited from a favorable ruling during their tense victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

The Chiefs, now boasting an 11-1 record, appeared on the verge of enduring their second loss of the season as the Raiders positioned themselves for a game-winning field goal in the final moments. However, calamity struck Las Vegas when quarterback Aidan O’Connell failed to secure a wayward snap that bounced off his chest.

Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton swiftly claimed the loose ball, though a penalty flag was thrown. Many anticipated that a false start would be called, which would have nullified the play and allowed the Raiders to retain possession. Yet, after a discussion among the officials, an illegal shift was deemed the correct infraction.

This penalty does not invalidate the play, allowing the Chiefs to secure the ball and run down the clock to clinch a 19-17 victory. The call sparked significant debate on social media, with some fans arguing that the referees erred in favor of the Chiefs.

Following the game, Raiders reporter Vic Tafur sought clarification from the NFL, and the league confirmed that an illegal shift was the appropriate call since the clock was stopped prior to the play. “If the clock had been running at the snap, an illegal shift would automatically become a false start.

However, since the clock was stopped (due to a spike on the second down), an illegal shift remains a live ball foul,” explained the league. Despite differing fan opinions, the decision remains, and the Chiefs secured their 11th victory of the season. They also set an NFL milestone with their 14th consecutive one-score win and secured a playoff berth for the 10th straight season.