Springboks Star Eben Etzebeth Suspended 12 Matches for Eye Gouge
UPDATE: South African rugby star Eben Etzebeth has been handed a 12-match suspension for eye gouging during a match against Wales last weekend. The ruling, announced on Thursday, comes after a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the rugby community.
The suspension will affect Etzebeth’s participation with the Sharks, starting this weekend and lasting until the end of March 2024. The Sharks had already deregistered him in anticipation of a lengthy ban. This incident occurred during a heated moment in the Springboks’ record-setting 73-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff, where video footage captured Etzebeth with his thumb in the eye of Welsh player Alex Mann.
This marks the first red card in Etzebeth’s 13-year international career, where he has represented the Springboks in a record 141 test matches. The independent disciplinary committee deemed the gouge intentional, leading to the severe sanction. Etzebeth pleaded guilty and issued an apology, acknowledging the seriousness of his actions.
The disciplinary panel initially proposed an 18-week ban but reduced it by six weeks due to Etzebeth’s previously clean record. He is now the third lock to receive a red card during the Springboks’ unbeaten five-match tour of Europe in November. Lood de Jager received a four-week suspension, while Franco Mostert’s red card was later rescinded.
As the rugby world watches closely, the focus will now shift to how Etzebeth’s absence will impact the Sharks and the Springboks in the upcoming matches. Fans are eager to see how the team will adapt without one of their key players.
Stay tuned as developments unfold regarding this major disciplinary action in the world of rugby.
