(BCSNN) — The Southeastern Conference has permanently suspended longtime football referee Ken Williamson following a series of controversial calls during the Oct. 11 Auburn–Georgia game, according to multiple reports. The decision comes after the SEC received 11 formal complaints about Williamson and his officiating crew, nine of which were reportedly upheld during the league’s internal review.

The most disputed moment occurred late in the second quarter when Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold appeared to cross the goal line on a quarterback sneak before losing the ball. Georgia cornerback Kyron Jones recovered the fumble, and officials awarded possession to the Bulldogs. ABC’s broadcast showed multiple angles suggesting Arnold had broken the plane, but the ruling stood. Had the play been ruled a touchdown, Auburn would have taken a 17–0 lead. Instead, Georgia responded with a 12-play, 88-yard drive capped by a field goal, shifting momentum before halftime. The Bulldogs ultimately won 20–10.

Williamson, 58, has officiated football for 41 years, including 21 seasons with the SEC. He previously worked the 2021 SEC Championship Game and served as an alternate for the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl Semi-Final. His suspension marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions against an SEC official in recent memory. In 2009, referee Marc Curles and his crew were suspended for one game and barred from working together for the remainder of the season following a controversial personal foul call in an Arkansas–Florida matchup.

The SEC’s officiating guidelines include weekly and annual evaluations that influence future assignments and postseason eligibility. While the conference does not publicly comment on officiating personnel decisions, sources indicate Williamson’s removal is permanent and applies to all future SEC contests.

The fallout from the Auburn–Georgia game has reignited debate over officiating transparency and replay standards in college football, especially in high-stakes conference matchups.