A contentious call late in the first half of the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills sparked debate and fueled accusations of officiating bias. With just over three minutes remaining in the second quarter, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, facing a crucial 3rd-and-5, scrambled and launched a pass towards rookie receiver Xavier Worthy. Both Worthy and Bills safety Cole Bishop contested the catch, leading to a confusing scramble for the ball. While it initially appeared Bishop might have secured an interception, Worthy managed to wrestle possession as both players landed.

The officials on the field signaled a completed catch for Worthy, awarding the Chiefs a first down. The Bills were also flagged for a holding penalty on the play, making it highly improbable that possession would have reverted to them even if the catch had been overturned. Bills coach Sean McDermott immediately challenged the ruling. Replays seemed to indicate the ball might have grazed the turf, further complicating the situation. However, the initial call stood, igniting controversy and frustration among Bills players and fans.

Capitalizing on the disputed call, the Chiefs marched down the field and extended their lead with a Mahomes rushing touchdown, bringing the score to 21-10. The close call immediately became a talking point on social media, with many fans questioning the impartiality of the officiating crew. This incident follows another controversial game involving the Chiefs in the divisional round against the Houston Texans, where questionable calls also favored Kansas City, leading to accusations of preferential treatment. Mahomes, when questioned about the perceived bias earlier in the week, dismissed the notion, emphasizing his focus on playing the game and trusting the referees' judgment.

The controversial catch and subsequent touchdown proved to be a pivotal moment in the AFC Championship, further fueling the ongoing discussion surrounding officiating consistency and potential biases in the NFL.