Super Bowl XLIX: The bad play call that cost the Seattle Seahawks victory over the New England Patriots

NEW England pulled out a 28-24 win in the Super Bowl but had Seattle to thank after the Seahawks produced a calamitous play at the death.

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on after his pass is intercepted by Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots late in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

NEW England pulled out a 28-24 win in the Super Bowl but had Seattle to thank after one of the worst play calls in sports history.

Just one yard away from the match-winning touchdown with 30 seconds left on the clock, Seattle chose to throw the ball instead of the safe option of running it and paid the price.

Instead of handing the ball to star running back Marshawn Lynch, quarterback Russell Wilson tried to throw the ball to receiver Ricardo Lockette.

WATCH THE INTERCEPTION IN THE VIDEO ABOVE

But New England’s Malcolm Butler read the throw and stepped up to make the game-winning interception.

Seattle’s call, rather than Butler’s play, quickly became the biggest talking point of the game.

“I’m sorry but I can’t believe the call,” NBC commentator Cris Collinsworth said.

“You’ve got Marshawn Lynch who is borderline unstoppable in this area of the field.

“I can’t believe the call ... I will never get over throwing the ball in that situation.”

New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette.

The win secures Patriots quarterback Tom Brady — who was named MVP of the game — and coach Bill Belichick’s fourth Super Bowl win.

On the play in question, Belichick said: “That didn’t surprise me ... we had to be ready for everything.”

Social media erupted with outrage, as everyone came to terms with the atrocious call. Former and current players, celebrities, fans and NFL reporters were stunned by what had happened.

That was the worst play call I've seen in the history of football.😞

— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) February 2, 2015

Baldwin on not giving it to Lynch on the last play: "I think we all were surprised. I don't know. I'm trying to think of excuses."

— Terry Blount (@TerryBlountESPN) February 2, 2015

Probably the dumbest play call in #SuperBowl history.

— Larry King (@kingsthings) February 2, 2015

Amazing catch .... one bad call....... game over.......

— Antonio Brown (@AntonioBrown84) February 2, 2015

Because that is how you should react when you see your season end on a dumb play call. #SBXLIX. pic.twitter.com/U5eMMTRtHb

— Newy Scruggs (@newyscruggs) February 2, 2015

.@ That play call will haunt Pete for the rest of his career!! Give the ball to #BEASTMODE in that situation!! #FEELBAD4THEPLAYERS

— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) February 2, 2015

"Marshawn how do u feel after that play call?" "I'm not thankful"

— Scott Harding (@scotthardingUH) February 2, 2015

"That was the worst play call, in Super Bowl history." - Deion Sanders

— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) February 2, 2015

Seahawks players are ripping the hell out of that last call. Openly.

— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) February 2, 2015

I’m in the Seahawks locker room. Wow. Talking about despair! Those who can speak are freely ripping that last play call. Big time.

— Terence Moore (@TMooreSports) February 2, 2015

Fingers are already being pointed at Seattle offensive co-ordinator Darrell Bevell.

Seattle head coach Pete Carroll took responsibility for the call, saying the Seahawks didn’t run the ball because of the way the New England defence had lined up on the play.

“We didn’t want to run against the goal line group right there,” Carroll said.

“We were playing for third and fourth down ...

“It’s a miraculous play the kid made to get in front of that route.”

Carroll’s response was ripped a part by pundits too.

Seattle Seahawks offensive coach when asked about that last play call pic.twitter.com/ImTRHsPs5B

— trent (@trentwhitmire) February 2, 2015