Etzebeth acknowledges suspension but insists the eye-gouge was unintentional

South African rugby lock Eben Etzebeth has accepted a 12-match suspension due to an eye-gouging incident involving Wales flanker Alex Mann during a match in Cardiff last month. While acknowledging the suspension, Etzebeth insists the action was unintentional.

The incident took place late in the game, during a scuffle where Etzebeth was seen making contact with Mann’s eye. This led to widespread controversy and Etzebeth receiving a permanent red card. An independent disciplinary committee reviewed the footage and deemed the action intentional, resulting in the hefty suspension.

In a statement on social media, the 34-year-old lock provided a detailed account of what transpired. He recounted that he had been struck in the chin by Mann and retaliated with an open-handed strike.

Etzebeth asserted that his hand initially contacted Mann’s shoulder, but the dynamics of the ongoing play caused his hand to shift, inadvertently leading to the eye-gouging. He expressed that while slow-motion replays may appear incriminating, he hoped his explanation would offer context.

The suspension is significant, as it will sideline Etzebeth until April 2026, impacting his participation in upcoming matches and tournaments. This incident has sparked debates around player conduct and safety in rugby, highlighting the need for strict enforcement of rules against dangerous play.

The rugby community continues to react to the disciplinary decision, weighing the implications of such actions on players’ careers and the integrity of the sport.