An estimated 45 million people tuned in for last Sunday's NFC title game between the Saints and Rams, and most clearly saw a pass interference that should have been called against the Rams.
But the people that mattered, namely the seven referees working Sunday's game in the Superdome, did not call a pass interference . Instead of the Saints getting setup for a potentially game-winning touchdown, the Rams ended up winning the game in overtime following the blown call.
In light of Sunday's missed penalty, fans in New Orleans have filed suit against the NFL, according to the New Orleans Advocate .
In one suit filed by attorney Frank D'Amico Jr., it is noted that the NFL Commissioner has the ability to replay part or all of Sunday's game per league rules. Saints receiver Michael Thomas tweeted at the NFL on Monday also calling for part or all of Sunday's game to be replayed.
D'Amico's suit, on behalf of season ticket holders Tommy Badeaux and Candis Lambert, claims the plaintiffs suffered emotional trauma and a loss of enjoyment of the game, the Advocate reported.
The Advocate reported that a second lawsuit was filed by Darrell Guillory, who claimed he was defrauded by the NFL for it not enforcing its own rules. The lawsuit, which is setup as a class-action suit, names the NFL, the State of Louisiana and four of the referees as defendants.
Guillory said he has suffered “intentional infliction of emotional distress," and asks for repayment for the cost of game tickets, parking, hotels and travel.
While the Saints are not actively requesting the NFL to replay Sunday's game, Saints Owner Gayle Benson said in a statement she wants to work with the NFL so incidents like what happened on Sunday do not happen again.
"I have been in touch with the NFL regarding yesterday’s events and will aggressively pursue changes in NFL policies to ensure no team and fan base is ever put in a similar position again," she said. "It is a disservice to our coaches, players, employees and, most importantly, the fans who make our game possible. The NFL must always commit to providing the most basic of expectations - fairness and integrity."
