Rival head coaches had to be separated from each other after a taunt following a player injury during Tuesday’s Citrus Bowl.
Illinois defensive back Jaheim Clarke was injured on a play and was treated by the trainers and his head coach, Bret Bielema.
Bielema apparently didn’t like it and taunted South Carolina with a substitution signal.
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Shane Beamer was not satisfied with Bret Bielema’s mockery after a player’s injury.
It’s unclear exactly who Bielema made the gesture toward, but Gamecocks head coach Shane Beamer almost immediately lost control and had a lot to say to his opponent.
Beamer needed to be slowed down by his fellow staff members, as well as some referees and even some of his own players.
The entire game was complicated with several taunts throughout the contest. Bielema dismissed the incident during his post-match interview, calling it simply “a football game.”
Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini dismissed the incident during his postgame interview, calling it simply “a football game.” (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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The two shared a handshake and a quick hug after Illinois won, 21-17.
The incident seemed to cheer the Gamecocks up a bit, as they scored a touchdown just five plays after Beamer was separated from Bielema to take a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.
However, the Illini responded with a 12-play drive of their own, driving 75 yards down the field and advancing into the end zone to regain the lead, 21-17, midway through the quarter.
The Gamecocks approached the 10-yard line on their next drive, but were unable to score and the Fighting Illini took a knee to run out the clock.
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer needed his fellow staff to slow him down, as well as some referees and even some of his own players. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
It is the fifth time Illinois has won 10 games in a season and the first since 2001.
