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After the Los Angeles Lakers’ 125-121 loss to Celtics in overtime, the head referee involved in the match admitted that the officials had missed a foul on LeBron James. The said foul, which occurred in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter, would have given Lakers the victory and knocked off the Celtics from the top. Interestingly, this is the third time that the team has been at the end of a late wrong call by the officials. Much to the dismay of fans, there have been quite a few of those in the season. Following the uncalled foul, LeBron was seen seething in disbelief as his team complained to the officials.

 

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Now as per reports, the league has admitted that the refs got the call wrong and that Jayson Tatum should have been called for a shooting foul. This news generated quite a reaction from fans, and one such reaction came from an unlikely individual. UFC vice-president of talent relations, Mick Maynard was among many who threw shade at the NBA for yet another mistake from the officials.

LeBron James throws a fit after officials fail to call foul.

Considering that this was the second time that LeBron James has been the victim of an error from officials, particularly in a match-winning situation, the 38-year-old’s reaction was quite justified. James was seen seething in disappointment at the officials as he turned to the referee along the baseline. As he went down on his knees, he laid his head down in disbelief. Video replays clearly showed that Jayson Tatum had smacked James’ arms, preventing him from scoring just before the timer expired.

ALSO READ: “My God Stop It”: NBA Fans Slam “Corny” Jayson Tatum After His Tribute to Kobe Bryant Before Celtics vs Lakers

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Now, although the league has admitted that there was a missed foul, fans were also quick to point out the mistake. Some suggested punitive measures be taken against blundering refs in a way to hold them more accountable.

Fans and Mick Maynard call out the NBA officials

ESPN correspondent Dave McMenamin in a tweet confirmed the NBA’s decision that the officials had got the call wrong. SportsCenter and ESPN shared the tweet along with a video of the sequence on Instagram. And this post drew reactions from fans and UFC’s very own Mick Maynard.

Here are some of the top reactions that stood out.

Mick Maynard definitely left one of the best comments as he sarcastically pointed out NBA’s fault.

NBA – “my bad”

Some reactions were critical of the previous blunders by the officials.

“Thats 4 games now that have been lost due to none foul calls at the end of a game smh ..”

“This the 12th game that the Lakers been sold this szn due to uncalled fouls.”

Some fans demanded action be taken against the refs somewhat hilariously.

“Refs gotta spend 3 days in the Dominican Republic with zero security.”

“Refs should be suspended without pay.”

Some also wanted officials to be held more accountable.

“Ok so now what? They need to be held accountable”

“The NBA has to fine or suspend refs for bs calls. I get it in game it’s hard to make calls, but calls like these being missed is absurd and I’m not even a Lakers fan.”

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One fan pointed out that a confirmation from the NBA did not mean much.

“no point in confirming a wrong call if it doesn’t change anything”

A Lakers fan explained why LeBron James was so furious.

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“Yall godda understand why lebron is furious.he’s out here trynna make the play-offs (which he’s only 4 games out of) and has been cheated out of 4 wins by poor officiating…ofc he gonna be throwing a tantrum. I would to if I was as passionate as him”

Considering the gravity of the blunder, LeBron James’ reaction was justified by many fans. What do you think of the reactions? Especially the one left by Mick Maynard? Let us know in the comment section below.