Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has expressed his disappointment at the play that led to an injury to defensive end Charles Johnson.

Johnson appeared to be leg-whipped by New England Patriots tackle Marcus Cannon during the third quarter of Monday's meeting between the two sides, forcing the Panthers man out of the game until the final series as his side saw out a 24-20 win.

The play was not penalised on the field but the NFL have confirmed that they will review the incident, and Rivera revealed that the hit brought back particularly personal memories for him.

"That's a disappointing play. I'm pretty adamant about it. It happened to me when I played. I actually fractured my leg and sprained my interior cruciate. Whenever I see one of those, it really disappoints me," Rivera told reporters.

"I know the league is aware of it, mostly because everybody in America saw it last night, so the league will handle that situation. It's a personal thing for me."

The match ended in controversial fashion when a penalty flag for pass interference in the Panthers' endzone was overturned, preventing the Patriots from having one last chance to go for a winning score.