PITTSBURGH -- A late drive for a field goal gave the Steelers an exciting 11-10 win over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, but the game's final play -- one that had no effect on the outcome -- is what many fans in Pittsburgh are talking about.

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On San Diego's final play, quarterback Philip Rivers threw a 3-yard pass to running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who turned and made a short lateral to wide receiver Chris Chambers as time ran out.

Chambers also lateraled, trying to keep the final play alive. But the Steelers' Troy Polamalu scooped up the ball at the 12-yard line and ran into the end zone for what appeared to be a touchdown.

The play was immediately ruled a touchdown, and referee Scott Green upheld the call after a review. But the referees huddled again before kicker Jeff Reed could attempt the extra point, and they changed their minds and ruled the play was an illegal forward pass, meaning that Polamalu was not eligible to recover the ball.

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Later, after the teams had left the field, Green admitted it was the wrong call.

"We should have let the play go through in the end, yes," Green said.

In his postgame news conference, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made it clear he would not take questions about any of the referees' calls, but he did briefly acknowledge that his team had been penalized much more than San Diego.

"I don't want to talk about the officiating. I don't want to talk about it, OK?" he said. "I've never seen a game with 13 to one [Editor's Note: actually, two] penalties, OK? I'm not answering questions about the officiating."

• Video: Mike Tomlin's Postgame News Conference Comments

The NFL said it is discussing with the rule-making competition committee "potential administrative improvements for replay that would help to prevent this type of mistake in the future."

That presumably could include allowing officials to take a second look at controversial plays, something not now permitted under the current rules.

Really, the play mattered only to gamblers. Pittsburgh did not cover the point spread, but the Steelers would have covered if Polamalu's touchdown had counted.

• Vote: Did you lose money on the Polamalu call?

A local bookmaker, who did not want to be identified, spoke with Channel 4 Action News Reporter Jake Ploeger.

He said 70 percent of his clients bet the Chargers would not lose by more than 5 points.

"I actually needed the Steelers, and was rooting for them, and right before my very eyes we got robbed," he said.

Pulling the touchdown off the scoreboard cost him thousands of dollars.

"It was just a fluke week -- a fluke game -- it cost me money," he said.

An estimated $100 million was bet on the game nationally, $64 million of that on the Steelers to win by more than 5 points.

"Anyone who had a bet on the Pittsburgh side and thought they had won weren't too happy," said John Avello, director of the race and sports book at the Wynn resort in Las Vegas.

Avello said there might have been $10 million bet on the game statewide, and many times more than that in illegal bets around the country and in offshore Internet betting sites. There was more money bet on Pittsburgh, he said, especially in parlay bets.

Fantasy football players also lost out.

The blown call cost them at least six points.

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The Fans Speak Out

Here's what you're saying on ThePittsburghChannel.com's Steelers message board:

FAN13 says, "I agree that the officiating in yesterday's game was really bad. Half of those calls were really questionable and biased by the zebras."

jimvlv says, "If there isn't an investigation of the officials from this game in reference to sports betting, I will be shocked! The lateral was clearly legal, the TD shopuld (sic) have stood. The Sports books and bookies have to be homicidal at this point. If the Refs didn't have the Chargers and the points I would be astounded. Let's not forget the 12+ penalties called on the Steelers. Pass interference? I know a win is a win, but this is too obvious."

kreskin says, "Without a doubt the officials need to be recalled for absolute bias and stupidity. For some reason we are being held to a higher standard than other teams. I do not think this is fan loyalty but a real fact. We cannot win when we are playing against two opponents... Hines gets called three times----anything to do with his fines?? I think so."

HAPPYFAN said, "First I didn't see the forward pass. I rewond (sic) the DVR over and over again. OK...the official did. Then they DON'T KNOW that kills the play! They award 6 points anyway. I'm looking at my wife saying ...'THIS IS A JOKE!' Finally, they show it deducted and 11-10 final. I'm not even going to go into them trying to call the teams back on the field for the extra point attempt. WHAT A LOUSY OFFICIATED GAME from the beginning to the end.

G.R. said, "THIS ZEBRA CREW SHOULD ALL BE INVESTIGATED AND FIRED...THE FIX WAS IN."

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