NFL refs face backlash for egregious clock stoppage in closing moments of Commanders-Saints game

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

NFL officials took heat on Sunday for an unwarranted clock stoppage during a game between the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints.

On 4th-and-3 with 17 seconds left, Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler threw a pass to Foster Moreau for the conversion. The pass got New Orleans to Washington’s 1-yard line. As Rattler and the team rushed to the line of scrimmage, a sideline judge inexplicably called for the clock to be stopped.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau, #87, celebrates after he makes a catch in the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in New Orleans on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The clock stopped for at least three seconds as the Saints got to the line. Rattler spiked the ball to officially stop the clock. There were three seconds left on the clock after Rattler spiked the ball.

On the next play, Rattler threw a touchdown pass to Moreau. The Saints attempted a 2-point conversion to try to win the game but failed. Washington won the game, 20-19.

NFL fans noticed the clock fumble. Washington (-8) was considered the favorite going in, according to FOX Sports.

2024 NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: ONLY THREE AFC SPOTS REMAIN; NFC RACE DOWN TO THE WIRE

Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore, #23, walks off the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Referee Shawn Hochuli was asked about the errant clock stoppage.

"The covering official mistakenly stopped the clock in that situation," Hochuli told a pool reporter. "The