Tart Slapped Kelce in Brazil Opener, No Ejection

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was slapped in the face by Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart during the teams season opener in São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday night, a physical incident that drew penalties, social-media taunting and debate over whether the play warranted ejection. The skirmish occurred in the third quarter of the Chargers 27-21 victory at Neo Química Arena after players tangled at the line of scrimmage, and Tart struck Kelce in the helmet with an open hand, officials and broadcasters said.

Television replays and social-media video show the play unfolded shortly after a short run by Chiefs back Kareem Hunt, with roughly eight minutes remaining in the third quarter. Kelce appeared to shove Tart at the end of the play; Tart then slapped Kelce, who reacted by raising his hands and seeking a call from referees. Officials flagged the Chargers for unnecessary roughness and assessed a 15-yard penalty that moved the Chiefs to the Chargers 11-yard line. On the next snap, Patrick Mahomes scored on an 11-yard run.

Tart was not ejected. During the broadcast, rules analysts, including Terry McAulay, said the play was treated as an open-hand blow rather...