Anger arises and disbelief sets in. Fans across the world are outraged. This is a common theme in today’s NFL.

This season and in recent seasons the NFL has been under scrutiny for the inconsistency of its officials and decisions regarding punishments in the NFL.

These inconsistencies have put the league commissioner Roger Goodell on the hot seat. For years now he has been booed on draft day and the dislike continues to grow.

For instance Tom Brady was suspended four games for his role in an equipment violation for the Patriots. This received backlash because this incident seemed far worse in the public eye, but he was punished less.

Former Giants kicker Josh Brown was arrested for domestic violence. The NFL found him guilty for breaking their personal conduct policy and suspended him a game.

This along with several other cases is why incidences such as Brady’s are met with serious backlash.

During this NFL season there were two topics that were constantly debated: the Ezekiel Elliott suspension and the question of what is a catch.

Ezekiel Elliott’s suspension was put on hold on three different occasions because of appeals brought about by the NFL Players Association. Although the league could not do much about these appeals it was a annoyance for football fans which caused the NFL to receive backlash.

The majority of uproar, however, occurred constantly throughout the season about the NFL catch rules. Instances such as a Jets receiver getting a touchdown called back or the Steelers losing a crucial touchdown at the end of the game have sparked controversy.

Both appeared to be a catch by many fans and it left many questioning what it a catch.

NBC analyst and former NFL coach Tony Dungy said this, “In flag football, high school football, college football, any place you play football other than the NFL, that’s a touchdown.”

In the upcoming seasons the NFL will need to have its officials be more consistent or the criticism will continue to pour on the league.

The NFL is still being followed by millions, but evidence has shown more and more fans in recent years are turning away.