Etzebeth accepts 12-match ban but claims eye-gouge ‘was never intentional’

"I would never do something like this on purpose," says South African lock

Tempers fray between South Africa's Eben Etzebeth and Wales's Alex Mann during the Quilter Nations Series match at Principality Stadium, Cardiff. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Eben Etzebeth, the Springboks lock serving a 12-match ban for eye-gouging Alex Mann of Wales, has claimed it was “never intentional”, contradicting the verdict of an independent disciplinary committee announced last week.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday the Sharks second row accepted guilt and apologised, saying “unfortunately mistakes happen”. The 34-year-old double Rugby World Cup winner also appeared to distance himself from the act by drawing attention to “other factors”.

Along with three videos accompanying the post, Etzebeth claimed that two Welsh players involved in the fracas, along with Mann, changed “the dynamic of the entire picture”.

Etzebeth will be sidelined until April after an 18-match ban, for what was deemed a mid-range offence, was reduced to 12 matches due to mitigating factors including his previous good disciplinary record.

“I’ve been quiet, but now that my hearing is done, I think I owe everyone an explanation,” Etzebeth wrote. “I accept guilt. I made a mistake and I’m willing to serve a suspension which I deserve … “I don’t want young kids who look up to the Springboks to think that it’s OK to eye gouge someone, because it’s not, but unfortunately mistakes happen … I would never do something like this on purpose, I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years.” 

As in his evidence to the disciplinary hearing, Etzebeth said he had been struck by Mann in his neck/chin area, which was not spotted by the officials, before retaliating with an open-handed blow.

“You can clearly see my first point of contact is against his shoulder with an open hand, just like he did, except he got me on the chin,” Etzebeth wrote.

“When I went for the same open hand towards his shoulder, you’ll see two Welsh players changing the dynamic of the entire picture, as well as one of my teammates pulling (Mann) around his neck away from my hand and where my force is going.” Etzebeth said this led to what he claims was an accidental eye-gouge. 

“Why did I post this?” Etzebeth added. “To try and show people how everything happened and that it was never intentional. I would never do something like this on purpose.” 

“Having considered the Player’s and other evidence and reviewed the footage, and for the reasons set out in the full written decision … the Disciplinary Committee have determined that contact with the eye was intentional,” stated an update from the Quilter Nations Series, announcing the verdict last Wednesday.

Guardian