New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas calls for NFL to replay NFC Championship game after officiating blunder

Officials failed to spot Nickell Robey-Coleman's blatant interference penalty with a helmet-to-helmet hit on Tommylee Lewis before the Los Angeles Rams triumphed in overtime

Michael Thomas has called for the NFC championship match to be replayed (EPA)

New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Michael Thomas has highlighted an NFL rule in a call to have the NFC championship match against the Los Angeles Rams replayed.

The Saints were cruelly denied a place in the Super Bowl in the 26-23 overtime loss after a blatant interference penalty was missed by officials, which would have allowed the hosts to run the clock right down before kicking a game-winning field goal.

Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman landed a helmet-to-helmet hit on Tommylee Lewis moments before the pass arrived inside the five and Thomas has taken to social media to highlight a rule which could feasibly see the game replayed should commissioner Roger Goodell deem it appropriate.

“Rule 17 Section 2 Article 3,” wrote Thomas, before tagging the NFL and adding a broken heart emoji and the New Orleans Saints’ emblem.

The rule Thomas is referring to is under “Emergencies” in the “extraordinarily unfair acts” section.

The “penalties for unfair acts” article states: “The Commissioner’s powers under this Section 2 include the imposition of monetary fines and draft-choice forfeitures, suspension of persons involved in unfair acts, and, if appropriate, the reversal of a game’s result or the rescheduling of a game, either from the beginning or from the point at which the extraordinary act occurred.

“In the event of rescheduling a game, the Commissioner will be guided by the procedures specified in 17-1-5–11, above. In all cases, the Commissioner will conduct a full investigation, including the opportunity for hearings, use of game video, and any other procedure the Commissioner deems appropriate.”

Nickell Robey-Coleman breaks up a pass intended for Tommylee Lewis (USA TODAY)

Robey-Coleman would later admit to committing the penalty.

He said: “Came to the sideline, looked at the football gods and was like, ‘Thank you’. I got away with one tonight.”

After the no-call, Greg Zuerlein kicked a 48-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining to force overtime, adding the game-winning kick from 57 yards.

Despite Thomas’ plea, any rematch appears extraordinarily unlikely, with the Rams now scheduled to play the New England Patriots on February 3 in Super Bowl 53.