Around the NFL

Referee crew reassigned by NFL after mistakes

Published: Dec 01, 2015 at 08:49 AM

In yet another example of the NFL punishing referees for mistakes made during a game, the league has reassigned referee Pete Morelli and his crew, a person familiar with the decision told NFL Media's Albert Breer on Tuesday.

Morelli's crew was scheduled to work Sunday night's tilt between the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they will now officiate an afternoon game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Pro Football Talk initially reported the development.

Morelli's group was the subject of much criticism for calls made during the Cardinals' win over the 49ers. Arizona head coach Bruce Arians made public statements about their inefficiency after the crew missed several calls and took long periods of time to reach a consensus on others.

"The officials were struggling," Arians said, via The Arizona Republic. "Mightily. They can't count to three."

Added 49ers safety Eric Reid: "(I don't normally complain about refs) but, man, there were some questionable calls, some very questionable ones. But what can you do? They throw the flags and there's nothing you can do about it."

Rob Vernatchi, who was part of Morelli's crew, was already suspended this year for a clock error during a prime-time game between the Steelers and Chargers.

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