I actually got in a lot of trouble for doing this same thing.
I lead my class's student section, and in a picture promoting our big rivalry game I made the gesture below my waist with the caption "Hey (rival school) check out my right hand"
I got called into my sponsor's office and got a stern talking to. That wasn't the end of it. I got called into the principal's office and had to explain myself.
I feel like this symbol isn't a symbol of hate. I've been playing this game with my friends since middle school. (About 6 years now) Never once have I used it as a symbol of hate.
It's always bothered me that people have tried to make it out to be one.