The University of Wisconsin athletics department denounced a UW fan’s actions during Tuesday’s Badgers men’s basketball game at Northwestern.
The fan was seated across the court from the UW bench and adjacent to the Northwestern student section. A video was posted on social media of him standing up flipping off the student section then making a racist gesture.
The video then cuts to the fan talking to a Northwestern official followed by him being escorted out by multiple Northwestern personnel and at least one police officer. Northwestern athletics confirmed that the UW fan was removed from the game.
“Northwestern explicitly prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment of students, coaches, staff, officials or guests,” a Northwestern spokesperson said in an email to the State Journal. “The actions by an individual at Tuesday’s men’s basketball game towards the Wildcats student section were unacceptable and a violation of our fan code of conduct. We appreciate those who spoke up and brought this behavior to our attention so event staff could take the appropriate steps to remove him from Welsh-Ryan Arena.”
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The video circulated on social media Wednesday, with many fans asking UW to ban the person from future events.
UW athletics responded via a tweet saying: “We are deeply disturbed by this behavior and find it abhorrent & disgusting. This is no representation of what it means to be a Badger. We denounce any acts of racism or discrimination. We applaud Northwestern for removing this individual. His actions have no place at our events.”
A UW spokesperson said the athletic department has been in contact with Northwestern about the issue to investigate it further.
Photos: Wisconsin men's basketball takes down Northwestern Wildcats in Big Ten battle
Wisconsin guard Brad Davison, left, shoots past Northwestern guard Ty Berry during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin center Chris Vogt, right, dunks against Northwestern forward Pete Nance during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl, right, guards Northwestern guard Chase Audige during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin guard Brad Davison, center, drives to the basket against Northwestern forward Robbie Beran, left, and guard Ty Berry during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl drives to the basket against Northwestern forward Robbie Beran during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn, left, shoots as Northwestern guard Boo Buie watches during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin center Chris Vogt, left, shoots against Northwestern center Ryan Young during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis, center, passes the ball as Northwestern guard Julian Roper II., left, and center Ryan Young defend during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin center Chris Vogt, right, blocks a shot by Northwestern guard Boo Buie during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Northwestern coach Chris Collins yells to players during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Northwestern coach Chris Collins, left, questions a call during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Wisconsin won 82-76.
Wisconsin forward Tyler Wahl, right, grabs a rebound next to Northwestern forward Pete Nance during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Northwestern guard Boo Buie, left, drives to the basket past Wisconsin forward Carter Gilmore during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard talks to the team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Wisconsin won 82-76.
Northwestern guard Chase Audige, right, shoots over Wisconsin forward Steven Crowl during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Northwestern players watch during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Wisconsin won 82-76.
A Northwestern fan looks up the scoreboard during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Wisconsin won 82-76.
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis, center, drives to the basket against Northwestern forward Pete Nance (22) and center Ryan Young, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Wisconsin won 82-76.
Wisconsin guard Brad Davison (34) celebrates his 3-point basket during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis, right, drives to the basket against Northwestern guard Ryan Greer (2) and center Ryan Young during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Evanston, Ill., Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.
