"When will they fine refs?" - Angry fans question NFL's call to punish Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys lost an epic Wild Card matchup to the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 in the opening weekend of the 2021-222 NFL playoffs.

Fans and players alike are still up in arms about the dramatic ending as well as the impending comments from Prescott immediately after the game. As the referees left the field, fans threw trash (and whatever they could find) at them in response to what they thought was a bad call.

While the Cowboys quarterback initially praised the actions of the fans, saying "credit to them then.", he soon came to his senses. The Pro Bowl quarterback issued an apology for his comments via Twitter, saying:

"I deeply regret the comments I made regarding the officials after the game on Sunday. I was caught up in the emotion of a disappointing loss and my words were uncalled for and unfair."

As reported by Adam Shefter, the league fined Dak Prescott $25,000 Thursday for the comments.

However, many fans are questioning why Prescott was fined for the comments, with one particular fan tweeting the following to Schefter:

"When will they fine refs for getting calls wrong?"

One fan even went as far as to ask what the procedure was around refs being fined and questioned why the NFL wouldn't share that information with the public.

While another NFL fan who heard the news was also seemingly fed up with the fact that refs are not subject to fines for missing on-field calls.

While other fans pointed out that presumably worse offenses have been committed by other players in the NFL.

One fan made use of a short video clip to demonstrate their surprise at Prescott being fined and the apparent double standard that exists.

While other fans were perplexed at the timing of the fine, considering the fact that Prescott had already apologized.

Another fan thought the fine was exorbitant and could have been put to better use.

While another fan went on to say that the incident raises questions around holding officials accountable for their mistakes.

As Dak Prescott prepares to pay up, one can only assume how he feels about the situation and the events that unfolded before hand.

What led to Dak Prescott's outburst?

Dallas Cowboys v Minnesota Vikings

The drama that immediately ensued after the Cowboys' Wild Card loss to the 49ers began with what would ultimately be the final play of the game. The Cowboys were down 23-17 and had no remaining timeouts.

Dak Prescott ran a designated quarterback draw and rushed like a knife through butter directly through the middle of the defense for a 17-yard scamper. This left roughly eight seconds on the clock.

The umpire on the day, Ramon George, ran in an attempt to spot the ball as fast as he could so the team could try and snap the ball. However, Prescott got to the football first and attempted to hand the ball to his center to spot.

NFL rules state that officials must first spot the ball and not the players. In the midst of all of this commotion, the umpire accidentally bumped into the Cowboys quarterback, which caused a slight delay in itself resulting in precious seconds being lost.

The eventual snap was not in time as the clock expired and the Cowboys' chances of winning the game died at the 24-yard line. After the game, Prescott was clearly frustrated at the manner in which the Cowboys' season ended and it came out during the post-game presser.

For Dak Prescott and Cowboys fans, one would imagine that next season can't get here soon enough, as the franchise looks to turn over a new leaf once again.