The B.C. Lions' quest for a Grey Cup berth ended in dramatic and controversial fashion on Saturday night, with team owner Amar Doman taking his dispute of the game-deciding play directly to the public via social media.
Instagram Controversy Erupts After Western Final
Following a heartbreaking 24-21 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL Western Final, Lions owner Amar Doman publicly challenged the legitimacy of the game-winning touchdown on his Instagram account. Doman posted screen grabs from the broadcast showing Tommy Nield's three-yard reception in the end zone with just 11 seconds remaining on the clock.
The images Doman shared appear to show the football making contact with the turf. His sole commentary on the post was a definitive "Not a catch." The play was ruled a touchdown on the field and underwent a lengthy review by the CFL head office, which ultimately upheld the original call, handing Saskatchewan the victory and a spot in the Grey Cup.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
While the final call is under scrutiny, the Lions had several chances to secure the win before the controversial play. B.C. held a 21-17 lead with 2:35 left and possession of the ball. However, the offence proceeded with two consecutive two-and-out drives, failing to gain a single first down that could have iced the game.
This was a stark contrast to the team's performance the previous week, where the offence executed a clutch drive to set up a walk-off field goal against the Calgary Stampeders. During the regular season, the Lions boasted the CFL's top offence, leading the league in both net offence and average yards per play.
Lions Players and Coach React to Devastating Loss
The loss left the team reeling. Star receiver Keon Hatcher, who led the CFL in receiving yards this season, expressed his profound disappointment. "I probably won't be over this until the New Year is over, until 2026," Hatcher stated. "Yeah, it hurts man. I was so in awe. I couldn't even cry but my emotions were everywhere."
Head coach Buck Pierce acknowledged the difficulty of the loss, confirming he had already re-watched the final moments. "It doesn't get any easier," Pierce said. He pointed to the team's ability to make a play in the clutch the week before and emphasized looking at the "entirety" of the game, expressing excitement for the team's future despite the painful ending.
The defeat also brings offseason questions, notably regarding Hatcher's future as a pending free agent. While he voiced his love for Vancouver and a desire to return, he also made it clear he seeks a contract that reflects his on-field performance, setting the stage for critical negotiations.
