In a sideline altercation that occurred about 5½ minutes into the third quarter, the San Francisco 49ers incurred a significant loss as linebacker Dre Greenlaw was ejected from the game. Adding to the unusual turn of events, Dom DiSandro, the head of security for the Philadelphia Eagles, was also ejected.
While the Eagles appeared to gain an advantage in the trade-off, the incident left the 49ers and coach Kyle Shanahan visibly upset and frustrated on the sideline. The unexpected turn of events likely added tension to the game and prompted reactions from both teams and their coaching staff.
“That’s why I tried my hardest not to lose my mind and not embarrass myself too bad,” Shanahan said after his team’s 42-19 victory.
At the 9:27 mark in the third quarter, Dre Greenlaw made a tackle on Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith near the Philadelphia sideline following a 13-yard completion. During the tackle, Greenlaw lifted Smith off his feet and forcefully brought him to the ground. This action drew a penalty flag for unnecessary roughness, leading to the subsequent fracas and ultimately resulting in Greenlaw’s ejection from the game.
After the tackle by Greenlaw on Smith, a heated exchange ensued between Eagles staff and players and Greenlaw along with some of his teammates. Dom DiSandro, the Eagles’ head of security, approached Greenlaw, and in the midst of a verbal exchange, Greenlaw’s hand appeared to make contact with DiSandro’s face. This interaction led to Greenlaw’s disqualification from the game. a sideline altercation
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed frustration over the incident, particularly with someone not directly involved in the game taunting and making physical contact with his players. Before Greenlaw’s ejection, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni pleaded with the officials for an ejection, and there was a lengthy discussion.
Linebacker Fred Warner recounted that as Greenlaw walked back to the 49ers’ sideline, he saw the Eagles sideline waving goodbye to him. Losing Greenlaw in that crucial moment was seen as a significant setback for the 49ers, prompting adjustments and challenges for the team.