Interfering with the referee is NOT part of the play, and the penalty IS treated as a dead ball foul.



VIII. Safety B33 intercepts a pass at the B-10 and returns for a touchdown. As he is coming down the sideline covering the play the line judge drops his flag after he runs into the Team B head coach who is just on the field of play near the B-40. RULING: Although this is a foul that takes place while the ball is alive, it is treated as a dead-ball foul against the team because it is committed by a non-player. The touchdown counts and the 15-yard penalty is enforced on the try, the succeeding kickoff, or from the succeeding spot in extra periods.
(It was like 6 pages from the end of the rule book)

I would stop arguing, unless you can point to something in the rulebook to back you up. Because your opinions don't matter if it isn't in the rules.


As Momowagon has said, if the Ref determines Harlan DID NOT interfere with the players or the ball, The Touchdown stands. If the Ref determines Harland DID interfere with players or the ball, the play is treated as a dead ball foul.