BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference on Sunday issued a statement on a controversial call and its subsequent reversal in the football game between top-ranked Texas and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Fans became unruly -- some throwing items onto the field -- after officials nullified an apparent interception by the host Longhorns, who were trying to claw their way back from a large deficit.
A short time later, the pass interference penalty was rescinded and the interception was allowed to stand.
Georgia would eventually win the game, 30-15, but discussion of the incident continued well beyond the final play.
In its statement, the conference said game officials are permitted to reverse a call such as the pass interference penalty. They scolded fans who reacted to the initial call by throwing items into the field of play.
The complete statement follows.
With 3:12 to play in the third quarter of the Georgia at Texas game, Texas intercepted a pass at the Texas 46-yard line and returned it to the Texas 9 yard line. Texas was flagged for committing defensive pass interference on the play which resulted in Georgia maintaining the ball with a first down.
The game officials gathered to discuss the play, which is permitted to ensure the proper penalty is enforced, at which time the calling official reported that he erred, and a foul should not have been called for defensive pass interference. Consequently, Texas was awarded the ball at the Texas 9 yard line.
While the original evaluation and assessment of the penalty was not properly executed, it is unacceptable to have debris thrown on the field at any time.
The disruption of the game due to debris being thrown onto the field will be reviewed by the Conference office related to SEC sportsmanship policies and procedures.