NFL official bloodied while breaking up in-game fight

An official talks with New York Jets HC Robert Saleh Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

NFL official bloodied while breaking up fight during Jets-Dolphins game

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 11/24/23

NFL official Carl Paganelli was left bloodied following a scuffle that broke out between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets during the fourth quarter of Friday’s game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Dolphins had scored a touchdown and then kicked an extra point to go up 27-6 at the start of the fourth quarter. After the extra point, there was some shoving between the two sides.

Paganelli was among the officials who tried to break up the fight. He was hit by an inadvertent forearm from Jets lineman Michael Clemons, who wound up ejected. Paganelli ended up spitting out blood from his mouth.

#Dolphins OT Austin Jackson and #Jets DE Michael Clemons were ejected from the game after what happened with the ref..pic.twitter.com/q6iSqOeDsT https://t.co/5BlGQhr0ST

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 24, 2023

In addition to Clemons, Dolphins offensive lineman Austin Jackson was ejected.

Though he was not ejected, linebacker C.J. Mosley was called for unnecessary roughness.

CJ Mosley & Michael Clemons both flagged on the play. Clemons contacted an official/foul against an official. The ref is spitting up blood.

This is getting so bad for the #Jets. I wouldn't say they're quitting, but this is a team that's fracturing.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) November 24, 2023

Making physical contact with a referee typically results in a 15-yard penalty and ejection. Even though his contact with Paganelli was inadvertent, Clemons still got the boot.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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