Buccaneers supporters and NFL fans were left stunned when the Lions were awarded an interception on a crucial play late in the first half.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions squared off on Monday night at Ford Field, as Baker Mayfield and his squad aimed for their third straight win and sixth victory overall in the 2025 NFL regular season.

Tampa Bay found itself in early trouble, trailing by 11 points at halftime. The Bucs were driving late in the second quarter with a chance to score when Mayfield’s pass targeting tight end Cade Otton was picked off by Lions defensive back Arthur Maulet.

Replays appeared to show Otton gaining control just before Maulet got involved. However, officials ultimately ruled it an interception in Maulet’s favor, giving possession to Detroit.

The call instantly ignited outrage among Buccaneers fans and football watchers across social media platforms.

“Man, everyone including the announcers said tie goes to the offense, and it looked like Otton had it. Then the refs just bail out the Lions, lol,” one fan complained.