Carolina Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig has been suspended by the NFL after hitting 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Moehrig has appealed the decision.

The NFL has suspended Carolina Panthers safety Tre’von Moehrig for one game. The reason was a blow to the groin area of Jauan Jennings, wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, in Monday night’s game, which the 49ers won 20-9.

Moehrig has appealed the decision. A panel appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association will review the penalty. If the suspension stands, Moehrig will miss the Panthers’ upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

The incident occurred late in the game: cameras showed Moehrig hitting Jennings in the groin area. Jennings did not react at first and asked the referees to call a penalty against Moehrig.

Jauan Jennings with counterattack after the game

After the game, however, Jennings hit Moehrig with an open punch to the face guard of his helmet. Jennings was not penalized by the NFL for this behavior. “I was just responding to childish behavior,” Jennings explained about his action.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan sharply criticized Moehrig’s action, calling the hit a “cheap move.” The incident highlights the heated rivalry between the Panthers and 49ers this season, as San Francisco remains on course for the playoffs and Carolina struggles to keep up.