SANTA CLARA – The 49ers were fuming after their 19-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, citing the inequity in calls that went against them from referee Pete Morelli and his crew.
The 49ers were penalized 13 times for 81 yards. But, more shocking, seven Cardinals first downs were delivered as a result of yellow flags on the field. In contrast, the Cardinals had just five first downs rushing in the game.
Guard Alex Boone was the most outspoken about the officiating decisions, including a penalty that was thrown when the official along the 49ers' sideline bumped into wide receiver Torrey Smith while the 49ers’ defense was on the field.