Sources: SEC suspends referee in wake of Georgia-Auburn game - ESPN

The Southeastern Conference has suspended longtime referee Ken Williamson for the remainder of the season in the wake of his crew's performance in Georgia's 20-10 victory at Auburn on Oct. 11, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

Williamson, who was the crew chief in that game, told SEC officials prior to the opening game that he was going to retire after this season, sources said.

The SEC declined comment on Thursday. Williamson didn't respond to a text message from ESPN.

«The SEC does not comment on personnel matters,» an SEC spokesman said.

There were two controversial calls in Georgia's come-from-behind win at Jordan-Hare Stadium. With the Tigers leading 10-0 late in the first half, Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold tried to score on a sneak on third-and-goal from the Georgia 1.

As Arnold reached for the end zone, Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson punched the football out of Arnold's arm. Bulldogs safety Kyron Jones recovered the ball at the Auburn 1, and officials ruled that Arnold fumbled before the ball reached the goal line.

After a lengthy delay, replay officials upheld the on-field ruling, giving the Bulldogs possession.

Georgia kicked a 29-yard field goal with 13 seconds left to cut Auburn's lead to 10-3 at the half.

As Williamson made his way to the locker room, he was confronted by Auburn athletics director John Cohen and football coach Hugh Freeze.

«I have no clue how that doesn't break the plane, no clue,» Freeze told sideline reporter Molly McGrath at halftime. «We're due a break, maybe, one of these damn times.»

Williamson also missed a targeting penalty against Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee with 1:07 left in the first half. A review was initiated by the replay review, and Lee was ejected from the game