Philadelphia Eagles chief security officer, 49ers linebacker ejected after altercation

San Francisco linebacker Dre Greenlaw and Philadelphia Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro were both ejected after an altercation during the third quarter with the 49ers leading 21-6. The 49ers went on to win 42-19.

The altercation started after Greenlaw picked up DeVonta Smith by the Eagles' sidelines and threw him on the ground. The penalty flag for unnecessary roughness flew up quickly. After Smith popped up and started jawing at Greenlaw the two were separated. DiSandro got between the two players and put his hand on Greenlaw's left shoulder. Greenlaw responded swiping his hand toward DiSandro and hitting his face.

After discussing the play with officials in New York, Greenlaw and DiSandro were ejected. DiSandro was cheered while leaving the field.

After the game, NFL senior vice president for officiating Walt Anderson explained in a pool report why DiSandro and Greenlaw were ejected.

"The officials had a flag on the field for a personal foul by San Francisco No. 57 (Greenlaw), and then there was continuing action," Anderson said. "And so what Rule 19 allows us to do is provide assistance by looking at the video.

"And we saw video that showed that there was a staff person (DiSandro) that made contact with the player and that the player involved, No. 57, made contact with the staff member which warranted his disqualification. The non-player, he was contributing to that escalation."

Anderson added that the Eagles were not penalized because "Rule 19 does not afford us the ability to help the officials in throwing a flag that they do not throw for a non-player. That’s only afforded for a player action."

So the completion and the penalty moved the Eagles from the 49ers 37 to the 49ers 12. Five plays later, the Eagles scored on a Jalen Hurts 1-yard run, cutting their deficit to 21-13.

Why were Eagles fans heading to X?: Philadelphia Eagles fans frustrated with officials' calls in second quarter

Did the Eagles win today?: San Francisco 49ers get revenge, dominate Philadelphia Eagles in NFC title game rematch

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown was on the other side of the field when the incident happened.

"I didn't see anything," Brown said. "I just saw the extra stuff afterwards, and I just came over there, and tried to protect (Smith) because (the 49ers) were doing a little stuff here and there. That's a part of the game. I think it happens in a football game − do a little stuff here and there, try to get under your skin.

"I think (Greenlaw) got a little carried away."

Smith was not available in the locker room after the game.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Philadelphia Eagles chief security officer, 49ers linebacker ejected