Many years ago in a different life while operating a very modest small twin I noticed a taxiing MD80 with something attached to it's nose gear.
I let ground control know and they relayed the message to the crew. They were concerned enough to return to the gate.
Where it was confirmed it was the 'spray deflector'
Oops, I was embarrassed but the crew were kind enough to thank me, and I didn't feel too bad as they weren't sure what it was either.
Unfortunately if someone see's something they think is abnormal it's pretty much incumbent on you that you get it looked at, in the past we have had a mechanic drive out and take a look before giving us a 'thumbs up'
If you ignore it and something happens it won't look good
