NFL officials have been forced to stop the game between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins in remarkable scenes, after fans pelted players with snowballs.
Despite a white-out predicted for the clash at Highmark Stadium for Saturday night’s match (local time), Buffalo fans, dubbed Bills Mafia, turned out in droves for the AFC East clash.
And they quickly found snow blanketing the grandstands as officials could only clear the playing field in time for the game.
Watch an average of 6 NFL games each week LIVE on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
As a result, fans made snowballs used to pelt the Dolphins bench – despite a warning appearing on the big screen that fans faced ejection and were “subject to arrest”.
When Nyheim Hines gave the Bills the lead midway through the second term, the fans erupted as snowballs rained down in the end zone.
NFL officials were forced to duck for cover as play was halted in shocking scenes.
“They are stopping the game because of the snowballs coming from the stands,” said commentator Kevin Kugler.
“The big sign on the scoreboard is not enough to keep the fans from (throwing snowballs on) the field.
“It’s a safety issue at some point.
“Not only are the players in danger, but the officials have no protection.
“These are ice balls landing on the field. I wouldn’t be surprised if at some point we don’t end up taking the teams off the field.”
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was so concerned about the snowballs, he went to the officials to plead his case.
“It’s all fun and games but Mike McDaniel is having a long chat with officials about it because these are ice balls and they are getting pelted all over the Dolphins sideline,” said commentator Peter Schrager.
“McDaniel is asking … ‘what’s the deal? Can it be the 15 yard penalty?’
“He’s not complaining, just saying the facts.
“The entire Dolphins sideline getting pelted in snowballs.”
Officials at the stadium then warned the crowd that the Bills would face a 15-yard penalty for any more snowballs thrown on the field – a message that was met with loud boos.
Kugler said there was not much more officials could do pre-game to get the stadium ready, given the weather forecast.
“They had eight inches or more of snow in this stadium earlier today but they cannot go through the stands and clear it out before the game,” he said.
“(Miami are) dodging defenders and snowballs.”
It’s not the first time this season a snowstorm has disrupted the Bills, with players forced to leave their homes and head to Detroit for a match last month after they were snowed in.
The predicted white-out for the clash with Miami came in the last quarter as heavy snow fell in the final 15 minutes.
And despite leading late in the contest, the Dolphins just couldn’t hang on in the cold conditions as Josh Allen secured the two-point conversion before winding down the clock for Tyler Bass’ field goal in the final two seconds to give Buffalo a 32 -29 victories.
Teammates even cleared the snow for Bass with their hands and feet as he entered the field to kick the match winner.
The win ensures the Bills head to their fourth straight playoff appearance, as they now sit three wins clear of the Dolphins in their division.
.