It was the big upset on the 11th game day of the NFL. Cameron Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers punches Justin Herbert, who is lying on the ground. The Steelers pro is now defending himself. The scene would have come across wrong on the TV pictures

Munich – It looked like an extremely unsportsmanlike action – but the culprit is talking about a big misunderstanding. During the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers, Steelers defender Cameron Heyward tackled Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert just before the end zone.

With the play already over in the fourth quarter, Heyward appeared to punch his opponent, who was lying on the ground, in the stomach one more time.

The Steelers pro has now commented: “I tried to get to the ball and then my hand got buried under it. Then when I tried to get up, it didn’t work and I fell on top of him again,” Heyward is quoted as saying by Greg Beacham of the Associated Press.

Heyward: Blow to Herbert “not intentional “

“I know it looks terrible, but there was no malice behind it. I mean, I didn’t mean to hit him. But I know in slow motion it looks worse than it was. I’m sorry if I upset anyone with that. I wish I would have talked to Justin more afterwards, but it wasn’t intentional on my part,” the defensive end continued.

Steelers DT Cameron Heyward says the play on which he appeared to punch Justin Herbert on the ground was just a misunderstanding that looked weird on TV: pic.twitter.com/Y0EGoDsrRf

– Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) November 22, 2021

An explanation that was so impossible to comprehend from the TV pictures. What speaks for Heyward’s version of the story, however, is that although the action resulted in a flag for “Unnecessary Roughness”, Heyward was allowed to continue playing. Herbert himself and his teammates did not complain much about the decision afterwards.

According to NFL insiders, the league will review the case. In the worst case scenario, Heyward could face a fine, but not a suspension.

Steelers DL Cam Heyward, who appeared to punch Chargers QB Justin Herbert late in last night’s game, will have his actions reviewed for a fine, not suspension, source said. Heyward told reporters punching was not his intent and it looked worse than it was.

– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2021

Herbert defends Heyward

After the game, the Chargers quarterback was asked if the action was unsportsmanlike and denied it. “Cameron is a tough player. Football is an emotional game. Whatever happened on the field just happened. We still shake hands fairly after the game,” the young playmaker said.

Shortly after, the Chargers scored the next touchdown through running back Austin Ekeler. L.A. won the Sunday Night Game in the end with 41:37.