Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew has slammed the call by the officials to overturn a pass interference penalty in his side's wildcard-round defeat to the Dallas Cowboys.

The Lions held a six-point lead in the game and were driving downfield with the chance to put the game beyond the reach of the home side when Pettigrew drew a foul against Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens for pass interference.

However, after a short delay referee Pete Morelli decided to pick up the flag and alter the decision in favour of the home side, which proved to be crucial in their victory.

Pettigrew told reporters: "I thought it was ridiculous, to be honest. But there's nothing I can do about it. He ran through me pretty much, trying to get back to the ball.

"To me, it was obvious. To them they made whatever call and picked up the flag."

Morelli revealed after the game that he felt the initial flag was unwarranted.