It is a controversy that is the talk of the nation, from corner taverns all the way up to the White House.

The U.S. National Football League has been using replacement referees because of a labor dispute that has kept the regular officials off the playing field.

Those replacements have made a number of questionable decisions during the first three weeks of the NFL season, but nothing as embarrassing as the climax of Monday night's game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks.

With no time left on the clock, the Seattle quarterback threw a pass at a cluster of players at the end of the field, hoping that a teammate would catch the ball. A Green Bay defender clearly intercepted the pass, which would have given the Packers a win. Two referees gave conflicting signals — one in favor of the Packers and the other favoring the Seahawks.

After reviewing the play, the replacement officials ruled a Seattle touchdown and a 14-to-12 victory, stunning football fans across the country.

The NFL later admitted that the replacement officials made a bad call that will not be reversed.

Among the shocked fans was President Barack Obama. He called the disputed outcome “terrible,” and said it is time for the NFL to settle its dispute with the regular officials.