NFL Fan Bases with the Highest and Lowest Criticism of Referees
In the heat of the 2024 NFL season, a new analysis has revealed a growing dissatisfaction among fans towards officiating, with controversies over calls and a lack of trust in referees being a major concern for many. The study, conducted using Meltwater, a social listening and monitoring tool, analysed thousands of posts from various NFL fan bases to identify which teams show the most positive and negative sentiments towards referees.
The analysis found that Denver Broncos fans rank second, with 57.1% of their posts showing a positive sentiment towards referees. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, Los Angeles Rams fans have a staggering 95.4% negative sentiment towards referees in their analyzed Twitter posts. The Pittsburgh Steelers fans come in third place, with 53.1% positive sentiments, while Houston Texans fans hold the dubious honour of having the most critical sentiments, with a 92.2% negative sentiment towards referees.
Interestingly, Tennessee Titans fans show the most support for referees, according to 60% of their analyzed Twitter posts. The Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers tie for fifth place, with their posts split evenly - a 50/50 balance of both positive and negative sentiments towards referees. The Seattle Seahawks fans take the fourth spot, with 51.4% of their posts showing a friendly (virtual) nod towards referees. Las Vegas Raiders fans and New England Patriots fans follow closely behind, with a 90.9% and 91.5% negative sentiment towards referees in their analyzed Twitter posts, respectively.
One of the most notable findings from the analysis is the widespread negative view of officiating across the league’s fan communities since 2024. This reflects ongoing frustration with inconsistent and sometimes game-changing calls that undermine fan trust and enjoyment. Social media, including platforms like TikTok, has seen viral content and discussions focused on controversial and unfair referee calls, reflecting a broadly negative sentiment among NFL fans about officiating.
While specific NFL fan bases with the most positive or negative Twitter sentiments towards referees were not identified in the sources, the general trend suggests a widespread negative view of officiating across the league. As the 2025 season approaches, it remains to be seen whether the NFL can address these concerns and restore fan trust in the officiating department.
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- Despite the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers fans displaying relatively more positive sentiments towards NFL referees, the analysis indicates a widespread negative view of officiating across all the league's fan communities.
- Interestingly, the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots fans have shown significant negative sentiments towards referees, comprising over 90% of their posts criticizing the officiating.
- In a surprising turn, Tennessee Titans fans appear to be the most supportive of referees, according to 60% of their analyzed Twitter posts, despite the overall negative sentiment expressed by fans about the quality of officiating in the NFL.
