MINNEAPOLIS — A University of Minnesota fan is banned from the Sports Pavilion and Williams Arena for a year for punching mascot Goldy Gopher in the face.

The Minnesota Daily reports it happened Saturday during a men’s gymnastics meet.

A witness says during the meet, the Gophers mascot tapped 60-year-old Douglas Dokken on the shoulder and ruffled his hair. At first, Dokken ignored Goldy’s antics, but the witness says within a couple of minutes Dokken turned and punched Goldy in the face.

Goldy left and talked to his supervisor and a police officer. The mascot reportedly was not hurt but the mask was damaged.

University police Lt. Troy Buhta says Dokken was issued a citation for disorderly conduct and a trespass warning.

Dokken tells The Daily he regrets the punch and is glad no one was hurt.