If we’re being honest about it, there is probably no referee that is generally liked by any NFL fanbase. But Philadelphia Eagles fans really don’t like veteran NFL ref Pete Morelli. They have even gone so far as to voice their displeasure and demand Morelli be banned from calling any more games involving the Eagles with 61,000 signatures and counting added to an online campaign.
50,000 Eagles fans✍🏼petition to ban Pete Morelli from🦅gms
Malcolm Jenkins:
“I would definitely sign the petition if it came across my desk” pic.twitter.com/ytdTgKcBPC— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) October 17, 2017
As of noon Tuesday, the online campaign on Change.org has accumulated 61,684 signatures (it has gone up by 17 just while typing this all out), with a target goal of 75,000 signature coming into view.
The Eagles may own the best record in the NFC at 5-1, but last Thursday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers saw one of the most lopsided penalty counts you may find this season. The Eagles were flagged for 10 penalties and 126 penalty yards, while the Panthers had just one penalty resulting in one penalty yard.
This was the first time in NFL history one team had over 120 penalty yards while the other had fewer than 10.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) October 13, 2017
Refs will miss calls every week in every game they work, but Eagles fans noticed moments like this when the Panthers could have easily been flagged for a penalty…
Earlier in the game, Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was frustrated by this block in the back penalty, which was iffy at best. CBS analyst Tony Romo lightheartedly said “That’s a very interesting call” with a slight chuckle.
Digging into the history a little bit more shows this was not the first time Morelli drew the ire of Eagles fans. He actually has a bit of a history with this.
Pete Morelli’s crew in last FOUR Eagles games
Philly penalties – 40 for 396 yards
Opponent penalties – 8 for 72 yards
(Yo, @NFL)
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) October 13, 2017
You would think the penalties will even out over time, but Eagles fans are clearly growing tired of waiting for Morelli and his crew to come around with more balance in the officiating.
That’s awesome. Why do I get the feeling Jeff Triplett is about to work a bunch of Eagles games? Be careful what you wish for!