"This psychopath cop should be fired immediately": Fans rip into Texas state trooper after viral confrontation with South Carolina WR Nyck Harbor

On Saturday, South Carolina players had a controversial shoulder-bump incident with a Texas state trooper stationed at the tunnel entrance in the 31-30 loss to Texas A&M at Kyle Field.

In the closing stages of the first half of the Week 12 game, the Gamecocks' wide receiver Nyck Harbor caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from quarterback LaNorris Sellers. He grabbed his leg in celebration and walked into the tunnel with several teammates following him.

While the two were returning from the tunnel to the sideline, a Texas state trooper brushed past between Harbor and Oscar Hardaway III, creating an unpleasant situation between them. When the two players turned in surprise with the action, the trooper pointed at them sternly in reprimand.

The Texas Department of Public Safety had a swift response to the incident, relieving the trooper from his duty at the stadium for the game. It made this known in a statement on social media.

"The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is aware of the incident that occurred today during the Texas A&M football game," the DPS said in a statement. "The DPS Trooper involved was sent home from the game. Our Office of Inspector General (OIG) is also aware of the incident and will be further looking into the matter. No additional information will be released at this time."

There have been a lot of reactions to the conduct of the Texas state trooper with the South Carolina players. Many fans immediately called for him to be fired, seeing his action as inappropriate. Here's a look at some of the reactions online:

South Carolina coach commends Texas A&M’s decision

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer praised Texas A&M for the way it handled the odd incident in which a Texas state trooper confronted two players during the game on Saturday. The coach made his feelings known on the decision to send the trooper home after the game.

“That's good to know," Beamer said. "I would hope so. I did not see that. Wasn't aware of that. Got a ton of respect for the people here in College Station. It's a first-class operation, everybody, from a game operation standpoint. They do a great job and are first-class people, so appreciate them handling that the right way and sending him home."

Beamer made it clear he wasn't initially aware of the incident, which occurred while he was focused on the action on the field. It remains unknown whether the trooper will face further disciplinary actions.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf