League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

NFL admits officiating error in Buccaneers-Cowboys game from October 8

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 24, 2026, 4:35 AM

Last updated Oct 24, 2026

NFL admits officiating error in Buccaneers-Cowboys game from October 8

Summary

The NFL acknowledged a significant officiating mistake made during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 24-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on October 8. Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey was wrongly penalized for illegal hands to the face, with the league confirming that the foul was actually by Cowboys guard Tyler Booker. The error has drawn considerable backlash from fans who are calling for more accountability in officiating. The Buccaneers have faced increased penalties this season and currently rank among the league leaders in yards lost to penalties. The Cowboys are scheduled to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, while the Buccaneers will visit the Panthers on Sunday.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•NFL admits Kancey was wrongfully penalized for illegal hands to the face
•Dallas lost despite benefiting from the incorrect penalty call
•Fans demand reform due to multiple officiating errors this season
•Buccaneers rank second in the NFL for penalty yards per game
•Cowboys face the Eagles, Buccaneers visit the Panthers next

Latest Updates

4:35 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Would They Admit This if Bucs Lost?’ ‘Enough Is Enough’ — NFL Fans React As League Admits ‘Embarrassing Officiating Mistake’ in Cowboys’ Loss

What they're saying

"
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey was flagged for illegal hands to the face in the Bucs’ 24-16 win over the Dallas Cowboys on October 8. The NFL has now acknowledged that Kancey did not commit the foul and that the only relevant hand contact on the play came from Cowboys guard Tyler Booker.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Dallas Cowboys Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Football