Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte said that a fan who was filmed making an obscene gesture at Florida players on the field after the Longhorns' 27-24 loss to the Gators has been permanently banned from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
As soon as the game ended, the fan, wearing Texas attire, walked to the Florida sideline with his cellphone up, flipping Florida players off and filming their reaction as he walked away. Several Florida staff members told him to leave, and at least one Gators player was held back to prevent a confrontation.
"I want to address the video circulating on social media showing unacceptable behavior by an individual who had the privilege of field access following Saturday's game," Del Conte said. "We pride ourselves on sportsmanship and treating our opponents with respect. This individual's actions did not reflect those values or meet our standards and will not be tolerated. The matter has been addressed internally, and I want to personally apologize to the University of Florida and its entire football program.
"Having access to our field comes with a responsibility to represent Texas with class and respect. This individual failed to uphold that responsibility and has been permanently banned from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium."
Del Conte told the Houston Chronicle that the student was a local resident who attends another college in Florida. Del Conte said he didn't know who authorized the field pass for the student.
