PRO FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : RAIDERS : Shell Has Rebuttal for Seahawk Claim

The Seattle Seahawks complained after Sunday’s loss that they were cheated when a sideline catch by Raider receiver Mervyn Fernandez in the third quarter was allowed because the instant replay official couldn’t contact the referee before the next play.

Fernandez had one foot out of bounds and the play probably would have been reversed. Instead, the 45-yard gain was allowed and the Raiders went on to score the tying touchdown.

“By the same token, we thought Marcus Allen scored,” Raider Coach Art Shell said, referring to Allen’s goal-line leap on fourth down that failed just before the end of the first half. That play was reviewed and upheld.

“Replay officials, referees, they’re all human,” Shell said. “Both sides had complaints.”

Vance Mueller, who started the opener at tailback, did not have a carry against Seattle on Sunday. . . . Despite giving up only 13 points, Shell was not happy his defense allowed Seattle to control the ball with 344 total yards.