Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith gave Kansas City Chiefs tight end Peyton Hendershot a postgame warning following a confrontation on the sideline at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night.
During the Ravens' loss to the Chiefs in the NFL's season opener, Kansas City star quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled to get a first down early in the fourth quarter.
Smith then appeared to push Mahomes late in the game, sending the quarterback to the ground and causing outrage in the home crowd, who called for a penalty.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith, left, intercepts a pass while defending Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rushe Rice during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
But the yellow handkerchief was in the referee's pocket, and Smith, who was waving his hand at the time to show it wasn't a personal foul, said Mahomes tried to sell it as a penalty.
“Yeah, he fumbled. Yeah, he fumbled,” Smith told reporters after the game, “so the umpire didn't call it. Great no-call by the umpire.”
But while Smith waved off the no-call, Hendershot, who was in street clothes as an inactive player for the Chiefs during the game, was seen taking issue with Smith's actions toward the quarterback.
Chiefs beat Ravens to get quest for third straight Super Bowl title off to a good start
The broadcast showed the moment when Hendershot appeared to shove Smith, and the linebacker acknowledged it in a message after the game.
“but, [number] “Number 88, I don't know who that is, but you better watch out,” Smith said. “He gave me a little sneaky push.”
Reporters quickly questioned Smith again to confirm what had happened, and after Hendershot shoved Smith on the Chiefs sideline, Smith appeared to turn around and a scrum began before the tension was released.
“I have no idea who No. 88 is, but we'll find out when we meet,” Smith concluded before answering the next question.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rushe Rice (4) runs the ball while being protected by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley-Imagn Images)
The Chiefs continued to score on that drive, with rookie Xavier Worthy scoring on just his third touch of the ball in his NFL debut, thanks to a missed coverage for a 35-yard gain for his second career touchdown.
Smith's individual stats were solid — he led the Ravens with seven tackles (four solo) and even had an interception of Mahomes late in the first half — but he was tackled with a horse collar while trying to take down Rushe Rice in his first regular-season action.
The Ravens appeared to have a chance to tie or even win the game when tight end Isaiah Likely caught a ball for what appeared to be a touchdown on the final play of the regular season, but ended up losing in tragic fashion to the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. But Likely's toe was an inch out of bounds.
Because they are not division rivals, the Ravens likely won't face the Chiefs again until a playoff matchup, such as the AFC Championship Game earlier this year.
Baltimore Ravens player Roquan Smith (No. 0) speaks during a team huddle before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Kevin Savitas/Getty Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
If that happens, Smith made it clear he would meet with Hendershot, who had some issues with his Week 1 action.
Follow Fox News Digital X's sports coverageSubscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
