Wow, interesting sitch. My two-cents.
We always discuss the "few and far between" credible comments from most in the stands. Basis for us ignoring them.
So if a D1 coach is in attendence and commenting, and gathering his possee to work a ref, one would logically assume he had some rules credibility with the exception of NCAA vrs. NFHS differences.
How'd the referee know who it was? Why make eye contact with the fans? IGNORE!
That said - refeee's discretion. I support him.
BTW - does an ejected fan get their $3.00 admission fee back?