49ers’ Trent Williams Punches Giants’ A’Shawn Robinson in Helmet at End of First Half

Williams and Robinson got into it just before halftime on Thursday.

Tempers flared between the Giants and 49ers just before halftime on Thursday Night Football. 

San Francisco’s star offensive lineman Trent Williams could be seen giving a hard shove to New York’s DT A’Shawn Robinson, before quickly jabbing him in the helmet. 

The referees were all over it, but somehow, Williams escaped without an ejection, which is the standard discipline a player receives for throwing a punch during an NFL game. Instead, both Williams and Robinson were issued offsetting penalties for unnecessary roughness.

The NFL world was confused as to why Williams wasn’t sent in for an early shower after he was seen punching Robinson in the helmet. Fans and media had plenty to say on social media, with many criticizing the decision from the officials.

Unnecessary roughness penalties were called on both teams following this play 😳 pic.twitter.com/sHiRLjikXi

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2023

Giants vs Refs

— 𝐆𝐄𝐄𝐙𝐘✎ツ (@YoungPiccasso) September 22, 2023

Trent Williams punch to face mask effectively goes unpunished with offsetting penalties. https://t.co/SaYmU9Wm4A

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) September 22, 2023

How do you not get ejected for throwing a punch?

— Zack Sizemore (@Sizeguy92) September 22, 2023

Throwing punches at helmets is the most bonehead thing to do in football lol https://t.co/kAiKDvCysF

— La Chapiza🍕 2-0 ➐ (@killakhristian9) September 22, 2023

So Williams pushes him and then punches him and they throw offsetting penalties. Comedy https://t.co/YFBYo7Bs0q

— Tony (@iAmAriton) September 22, 2023

I know you’re not thinking in the moment but punching someone in the face mask is pointless lol https://t.co/6qbGSroM24

— G II (@MisterNickel) September 22, 2023

Only a Niners player can throw a punch and not get a ejected lmao

— Justin Leise (@JustinLeise) September 22, 2023

that's supposed to be an ejection

— Matthew (@MatthewR2415) September 22, 2023