NFL defends Super Bowl officiating

The NFL defended the officiating in the Super Bowl, and Joe Montana defended himself.

Two days after the Steelers beat the Seahawks 21-10 in the NFL title game, the league said Tuesday that no mistakes were made by the game officials, although Seattle coach Mike Holmgren might disagree.

‘‘The game was properly officiated, including, as in most NFL games, some tight plays that produced disagreement about the calls made by the officials,’’ NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in a statement.

Meanwhile, three-time Super Bowl MVP Montana denied reports he had asked for $100,000 to appear with other past MVPs at pre-game ceremonies. He left Detroit on Friday, and returned home to attend his sons’ weekend basketball games.

‘‘I had told them both (sons) that I’d be there for their games and that we’d watch the Super Bowl together,’’ Montana said in an interview with ESPN. Later, Montana added, ‘‘The Super Bowl is important to a lot of people but, to me, it was more important that I was home with my boys.’’

Two-time MVP Terry Bradshaw and Miami’s Jake Scott were the only other MVP’s who didn’t attend. Bradshaw reportedly wanted to be with his family, and Scott was traveling in Australia.

The officiating, though, has been a major topic of discussion since Sunday night.