Outrage Erupts Against NFL as Referee Is Seen Holding Matthew Golden’s Hand After WR Punches Panthers Player During TNF

There is no grey area when it comes to unnecessary force on the gridiron; you throw a punch, you’re ejected from the game. The flag comes out immediately. With such clarity on the rule, imagine how bewildering it was to see a referee holding Matthew Golden’s hand, after he appeared to punch a Carolina Panthers player in the Thursday Night Football matchup. “Ref was getting ready to eject Matthew Golden but maybe he just really needed a friend right now,” wrote Barstool Sports on X, sharing the clip.