SANTA CLARA -- Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore scored touchdowns in the 49ers' regular-season finale and celebrated by tossing the footballs into the crowd at Candlestick Park.

The well-meaning gesture came at a price, though. Both players were fined $10,500 by the NFL, according to a league spokesman.

The league considers it fan safety issue to have players throw football into the stands, as opposed to handing the ball or tossing it to a fan, which is allowed. The NFL does not want fans fighting over a football.

Crabtree caught two touchdowns in the 49ers' 27-13 victory Sunday over the Arizona Cardinals. Twice he threw the football into the stands. Gore also threw the football into the stands after his club-record 51st rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Crabtree was also fined $5,000 for throwing the ball into the stands after scoring a touchdown when the 49ers played in London's Wembley Stadium in 2010.