"NFC Championship Game Referee Sparks Controversy Ahead of Lions vs 49ers Showdown"
The Detroit Lions will face the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Conference Championship game, with referee Clete Blakeman assigned to officiate. Blakeman's crew has called penalties below the league average this season, but his career has been marked by controversial calls, including two disputed illegal hands to the face calls against the Lions in 2019. Despite a recent win for the Lions under Blakeman's officiating, there is concern over his history with the team as they head into this crucial game.
