Iowa fans throw trash on field after officials overturn Cooper Dejean punt return touchdown

The Iowa Hawkeyes were down 12-10 with under two minutes to go against Minnesota when it appeared that defensive back and return specialist Cooper DeJean made the play of the game. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as the referees intervened to make a different call on the play, resulting in outrage from the Hawkeye fans in attendance.

And to show their displeasure, the Iowa fans begin to hurl trash on the field.

So what happened, and what was the call that enraged the Hawkeye fans? It all started after the referees called back what would have likely been DeJean’s game-winning punt return because of what they deemed an invalid fair catch call. That play can be seen in the video below.

OMG😱

COOPER DEJEAN GOVES IOWA THE LEAD WITH THIS INSANE PUNT RETURN pic.twitter.com/6o2O9SxAG5

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 21, 2023

After forcing Minnesota into a three-and-out, the Golden Gophers connect to the Hawkeyes and DeJean. The punt took one bounce, and that is when the improbable happened. DeJean caught the ball off of the bounce at the Iowa 46. With four Golden Gopher defenders closing in on him, the star returner hit the spin button, avoiding all four defenders, then proceeded to take the ball up the sideline before cutting across the field end and scoring the go-ahead touchdown for the Hawkeyes.

While DeJean and the rest of the Hawkeyes special teams celebrated the score, the officiating crew reviewed it, overturning the call. The reason stated? When DeJean attempted to waive off the punt return team, it was seen as the returner waving for a fair catch.

But did DeJean wave his hand like a fair catch? You be the judge with the video below.

fair catch? pic.twitter.com/8JbFjoIqmu

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 21, 2023

Regardless of the call on the field, it is not a good look for the Iowa fans who were caught hurling trash and debris on the field. And this was not a one-time deal either. After Minnesota made an interception on Iowa’s final drive of the game to solidify their 12-10 victory, the fans proceeded to throw even more debris on the field at the officials and the Minnesota players celebrating the interception.

Iowa fans throwing trash on the field pic.twitter.com/iWNDhJY6hb

— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) October 21, 2023

With the loss, Iowa falls to 6-2 on the season and 3-2 in conference play. With the loss, the Hawkeyes now fall behind Wisconsin for the top spot in the Big Ten West division.