Joel Klatt criticizes SEC officials over pass interference reversal in Texas vs. Georgia

In the third quarter of Georgia‘s 30-15 win over Texas on Saturday, controversy struck. On the third play of Georgia’s drive, Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron intercepted QB Carson Beck and returned the ball to the Bulldogs’ 9-yard line.

Initially, the referees called defensive pass interference on Barron; thus, voiding his massive play. However, after the call, Texas fans began to throw trash onto the field and the referees were forced to stop play.

During the pause in action, the referees reversed the call and granted Texas the ball. After the game, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart attacked the officials for their decision.

“Now you’ve set a precedent that if you throw a bunch of stuff on the field and endanger athletes, that you got a chance to get your call reversed. And that’s unfortunate, because to me, that’s dangerous,” Smart said.

It was a pivotal play in the game. With the pass interference overturned, Texas received the ball in the red zone and scored only two plays later, cutting Georgia’s lead to 23-15. While the Bulldogs ultimately escaped with the win, the debate about the call hasn’t slowed.

On Sunday, FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt weighed in on the controversial moment.

“Kirby is 100% right,” Klatt said. “I hated the call in the first place, but the reversal sets an awful precedent.”

Texas fans receive further backlash for their actions

The SEC may have lessened the likelihood of another fanbase attempting to cause an in-game interruption by leveling a $250,000 fine on Texas on Sunday.

Moreover, the UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT President Jay Hartzell and UT Athletic Director Chris Del Conte released a joint statement condemning the fans’ actions.

“While we deeply appreciate the passion and loyalty of our fan base at the University of Texas at Austin, we do not condone the unsportsmanlike conduct that was exhibited by some individuals throwing objects onto the field during last night’s game and sincerely apologize to the University of Georgia players, coaches, and fans, as well as the Southeastern Conference and officiating crew,” the statement read. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”