Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was penalized for taunting during their defeat by the Cincinnati Bengals, sparking outrage amongst NFL fans online.
On a night which eventually proved disappointing for them, Allen got the Bills off to an encouraging start in Cincinnati when he ran through for their opening touchdown of the game nine minutes into the first quarter.
However, while entering the end zone the 27-year-old taunted Bengals safety Nick Scott by pointing in his direction after deceiving him with a pump fake, which led to a 15-yard penalty for Buffalo.
Although it didn’t cost his team a touchdown, fans were left seething that Allen was penalized for the gesture on the night, taking to X to blast the NFL as ‘soft’.
One wrote: ‘The NFL is so soft sometimes. Oh no Josh Allen pointed at a guy because he got him to bite on a pump fake. Like they should be encouraging this s*** not penalizing it. Taunting is excellent entertainment.
Another said: ‘Taunting is such a soft ass penalty dude it’s the f****ng NFL. Oh no, Josh Allen pointed at a defender! So what? These are grown men.’
A third put: ‘They really gonna call Josh Allen for taunting because he celebrated and pointed? The NFL is getting so soft’.
A fourth commented: ‘Josh Allen got a taunting penalty for that? Lmao. The NFL is so ridiculous.’
Another wrote: ‘Well that’s unbelievably stupid. Josh Allen called for taunting ….for pointing at the defender? What are we doing here NFL???’
While one sarcastically quipped: ‘Josh Allen should honestly be put in jail for pointing his finger at the defender. Great job by the refs for protecting today’s youth by flagging him for taunting.’
After his early touchdown, Allen went on to endure a difficult night as the Bills slumped to a 24-18 defeat against the Bengals.
Allen’s opposite number Joe Burrow got the better of the battle with his rival quarterback as he threw two touchdowns while completing 31 out of 44 passes.
Burrow also threw for a season-high 348 yards in a superb display which propelled his team to victory in Cincinnati.
As for Allen, the Bills star endured an evening to forget as he threw an interception for the fifth straight game – the longest streak of his career.
