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NFL fans have been left concerned about veteran announcer Al Michaels after a string of mistakes during the Rams vs 49ers broadcast.
Michaels, 80, was on the microphone alongside Amazon Prime broadcast partner Kirk Herbstreit as the 49ers triumphed 26-23 at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night.
However, the proceedings on the field practically took a backseat as viewers from home made note of several errors that Michaels made in his commentary.
The first major talking point came during the first quarter when 49ers QB Mac Jones completed a pass to DeMarcus Robinson - before a flag was thrown on the field.
The referee confirmed that the penalty was roughing the passer and that a 15-yard penalty would be applied. However, Michaels seemed to miss this.
The 80-year-old began questioning why the 49ers were lined up on their own 41-yard line after presuming that it was a holding penalty that had been given.
NFL fans have been left concerned about veteran announcer Al Michaels after Thursday night
Michaels failed to spot a roughing of the passer penalty during the 49ers vs the Rams
He was left bemused when the 49ers began lining up on their own 41-yard line
'This one is coming back. Hang on a second, the 49ers are going back up to the 41-yard line. Did they, by replay assist, declare that was legal? They marked him after the catch is what they did.'
Fans were left stunned at Michaels' error - but it didn't stop there. Later in the quarter, he repeatedly referred to Rams star Jordan Whittington as 'Whittingham'.
It took until the first drive of the second half for Michaels to recognize his error and issue an apology to those listening.
Later, in a crucial moment during the fourth quarter, 49ers rookie Alfred Collins forced a fumble before recovering it himself in front of the goal line.
The 49ers played excitedly reacted and pointed out the fumble - though Michaels appeared to miss it. Initially sounding confused, it took several seconds to understand what happened.
One frustrated fan later took to social media to vent. They wrote on X: 'First mention of the fumble is 3+ seconds after it happens.
'First acknowledgement SF got it 7 seconds after ref says it’s there’s.
Later, Michaels had an incredibly delayed reaction to a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter
Fans voiced their frustrations - and concerns - over Michaels after the string of errors
'This is a once-in-a-decade type play to save a game at the goal line in the final seconds. This ain’t it'.
Another said: 'Was ready to flip the table over with how the announcement of this play and the aftermath was handled. Love Al Michaels but they need to get him a telescope to see'.
'Al really really showed his age last night. He’s an absolute legend but it’s time to hang it up,' another wrote.
