The CFL dismissed side judge Rick Berezowski on Monday, parting ways with the ref who made the pass interference call on Montreal Alouettes rookie cornerback Greg Laybourn late in Friday's game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Laybourn was defending in the end zone against Blue Bombers receiver Greg Carr when replays showed Carr putting his arms around Laybourn. The play drew an interference call, which easily could have been called on the offence.
CFL director of officiating Tom Higgins wrote on the CFL's website on Monday that the call was "absolutely terrible".
"The Winnipeg receiver grabbed the Montreal defender and fell to the ground in an obvious attempt to draw a [pass interference] call, and succeeded. This is not acceptable and I am dealing with the situation," wrote Higgins.
Berezowski, a native of Rosetown, Saskatchewan, worked partial seasons in the CFL for many years before he was added to the full time ranks in 2009. He worked the 2004 Vanier Cup and also officiated the Mitchell Bowl and several Canada West conference title games.
