After being called for a penalty, Virginia Tech DE Dadi Nicolas took out his frustration on the referee by smacking him on the arm. (0:29)

Virginia Tech defensive end Dadi Nicolas has been suspended for the first half against Virginia for making contact with an official in a loss to North Carolina, coach Frank Beamer announced Monday.

Nicolas hit referee Ron Cherry's arm as he animatedly complained about an offside call against him on Saturday. He was then issued a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Beamer told reporters Monday in Blacksburg, Virginia, that he issued the suspension.

"I'm convinced with having talked to Dadi that it was not intentional, but he did hit the referee, hit his arm, and that can't happen," Beamer said. "I talked with him this morning, and he was very apologetic."

Nicolas has started 11 games this season, with 38 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and a sack.