Jason Kelce slams ‘confusing’ ref calls as former center joins brother Travis Kelce at USA’s Olympic Gold showdown
Times of India
by GLOBAL SPORTS DESKFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jason Kelce, former Philadelphia Eagles center and brother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, voiced his frustration with the officiating during the highly charged USA vs. Canada women’s hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Despite Team USA securing a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory, Jason criticized the referees for inconsistent and confusing calls that added unnecessary tension to the match. His comments came during an episode of the "New Heights" podcast, where he expressed his不满 (dissatisfaction) with the game's flow, particularly during critical moments when momentum shifted between the two teams.
The game itself was a nail-biting spectacle, with Canada taking an early lead and maintaining it deep into regulation. The turning point came in overtime when Megan Keller scored the winning goal for the U.S., triggering wild celebrations among fans inside Milan’s arena. However, Jason noted that the referees’ decisions were inconsistent throughout, especially during key stretches where the outcome could have hinged on their rulings. He questioned the lack of clarity and fairness in their calls, which he believed disrupted the game’s rhythm.
Despite his criticism of the officials, Jason praised Team USA’s performance, calling them “the best country on the planet in hockey.” The Kelce brothers were among the fans who witnessed the dramatic conclusion firsthand, cheering loudly from the stands. The victory was part of a historic double for the U.S., as the men’s hockey team also triumphed over Canada two days later to claim their own gold medal.
The Olympic stage provided the perfect backdrop for this high-stakes showdown, showcasing the intense rivalry between the two hockey powers. Jason Kelce’s critique of refereeing highlights the pressure and scrutiny that accompany such pivotal moments in international sports. While fans may debate the officials’ decisions, there’s no denying the excitement and significance of Team USA’s back-to-back gold medal victories
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026