NFL fans divided over controversial spot on Packers' failed tush push attempt: "49ers need the refs to beat them"

The Packers and the 49ers had a close battle in the first half of their divisional-round playoff game in San Francisco. Brock Purdy had a touchdown, while Jordan Love led the Packers on a couple of drives that yielded field goals.

However, fans were not sure that the matchup should have been so close going into halftime. Green Bay had more possession in the first half after electing to receive the ball. When the score was 3-0 in their favor, they had a 4th-and-1 in 49ers territory. Had they got it, that would have set up a 1st-and-goal and a potential 10-0 lead.

Based on what was broadcast, it looked like they got it. Jordan Love kept the ball and seemed to have broken the line of scrimmage. The referees were not sure, so they asked for the chains to be brought out to the field and spotted the football themselves to measure it.

It did not look as if they had placed the ball correctly, and Matt LaFleur could be seen mouthing "bad spot" after the officials confirmed that it was turnover on downs.

Fans were certainly sympathetic to the Packers coach, as it seemed as if Green Bay should have retained the ball. They accused the referees of favoring the San Francisco 49ers in their home stadium.

It was not something the NFL needed in such a high-profile game after official calls had been questioned all season. One fan tweeted:

"49ers need the refs to beat the packers"

Here are some of the best reactions on X:

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Packers did not help themselves against the 49ers

While the spot looked bad, the Packers would also be lamenting another play that could have changed the momentum. With the score 3-0 to Green Bay, the San Francisco 49ers were trying to conjure their first offensive drive.

Brock Purdy had not quite settled in when he threw a ball straight at opposition defender Darnell Savage. It was thrown right into his hands, and had he caught it, he could have had a pick-six.

The situation was not helped by the pouring rain, but it could have changed the complexion of the game. However, to their credit, the Packers hung in and went into the break down only one point after blocking a field goal from Jake Moody under the two-minute warning.

That's the kind of heart they need to cause an upset and hope some of the breaks from the referees fall their way.