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KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Travis Kelce

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce: Ref shouldn't even work at Foot Locker

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is held back by back judge Todd Prukop (30) as he speaks to field judge Doug Rosenbaum (67) during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Kansas City Chiefs' season ended Sunday night, and tight end Travis Kelce wasn't ready to move past a critical call.

The Pittsburgh Steelers staved off a fourth-quarter comeback by the Chiefs to hold on for an 18-16 win and advance to the AFC Championship Game. After running back Spencer Ware scored on a 1-yard touchdown with 2:43 remaining, the Chiefs appeared to have tied the game on a catch by tight end Demetrius Harris on a two-point conversion attempt. But officials called what looked to be an obvious offensive holding penalty against left tackle Eric Fisher as he blocked outside linebacker James Harrison, and the Chiefs were marched back 10 yards.

Alex Smith's ensuing pass attempt was broken up by the Steelers. After receiving the ensuing kickoff, Pittsburgh was able to convert a third down and run out the remaining time on the clock.

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Kelce was still incensed by the holding call when speaking with reporters after the game.

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"That wasn't a hold on my guy Eric Fisher. I hope 72 doesn't go the entire offseason thinking it was his fault. That was (expletive), flat out."

Kelce added that he believed the call was made because the official "felt bad for James Harrison falling on the ground."

"It's ignorance. The ref, No. 51, shouldn't be able to wear a zebra jersey ever again. He shouldn't even be able to work at (expletive) Foot Locker."

This was not Kelce's first run-in with an officiating crew. He was ejected from a Nov. 6 game against the Tennessee Titans when he threw his towel at an official, earning a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his mock flag toss.

On Sunday, Kelce was also penalized for unnecessary roughness when he shoved cornerback Ross Cockrell to the ground after a play. Kelce led the Chiefs with five catches and 77 receiving yards.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.

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