The budding rivalry between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills has made for excellent football in recent matchups between the AFC powerhouses. Both teams have proven that they are legitimate championship contenders, and the atmosphere at Highmark Stadium on Sunday night is sure to be electric.
But, as snow descended over Western New York in recent weeks, fan behavior at Buffalo’s home games has been less than exemplary. The so-called “Bills Mafia” was seen throwing snowballs at Buffalo’s last game, which caused some controversy after their playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A fan nearly hit George Pickens with a snowball 😬❄️pic.twitter.com/VcR2DGI1Hu
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 16, 2024
Before their Divisional round matchup against Kansas City, Bills tackle Dion Dawkins was featured in a public service announcement released on Twitter that implored fans not to throw snowballs.
An important PSA from the Shnowman.@DDawkins66 | #KCvsBUF pic.twitter.com/HL9B7t7sUI
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 21, 2024
It is unclear whether Bufflao’s rowdy fans will choose to take heed of Dawkins’ plea, especially given the history between the Bills and the reigning Super Bowl champions.
With so much at stake for both teams, fan interference could be a serious concern for officials ahead of this matchup. In the past, Buffalo’s fans have been warned that throwing snowballs could cause referees to assess 15-yard penalties against the Bills.
Announcement at Bills game: "Please stop throwing snowballs. We've just been informed that if a snowball hits someone, it'll be a 15 yard penalty against Buffalo" pic.twitter.com/Br2CWkLyvA
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 18, 2022
