NFL referees return to a standing ovation

• Tweet

BALTIMORE, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- National Football League referees received a standing ovation from the crowd Thursday in Baltimore as the Ravens prepared to take on the Cleveland Browns.

Referee Gene Steratore and his crew were greeted prior to the game by coaches and players as the crowd gave a standing ovation to mark the return of the officials and the end of the controversies brought about by the NFL's use of fill-ins while attempting to reach an agreement with the referees, The Washington Post reported Friday.

"Good evening, men. It's good to be back," Stenatore told the players prior to the game.

The game, which the Ravens won 23-16, was free of controversial calls, the Post said.

"To just be applauded by 50,000 people prior to anything happening, it was something that kind of chokes you up," Steratore said. "It was a very special feeling."

The NFL and the referees reached an agreement Wednesday night that is expected to be ratified Saturday.