Eben speaks out on eye-gouge

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has taken to social media to explain what led to his altercation with Wales flank Alex Mann.

Etzebeth received a straight red card late in the Boks’ 73-0 victory in Cardiff and has since been banned for 12 weeks, ruling him out of four Investec Champions Cup and eight Vodacom URC matches for the Sharks.

The 34-year-old maintained during his disciplinary hearing that the act was not intentional, a claim he reiterated in an Instagram post on Wednesday, while also offering an apology to those he feels he let down.

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Etzebeth said the purpose of his post was to provide context around the incident and to stress that he does not condone eye-gouging or foul play of any kind.

Etzebeth’s full Instagram post:

Hey Everyone

I’ve been quiet, but now that my hearing is done I think I owe everyone an explanation
First of all, this is not a post to show that I was not guilty, 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 and I made a big one for which I’m sorry.

But I’d like to answer the question – why did you do such a thing?

It was a mistake caused by my reaction and other factors that played a role.

Slide 1: The scuffle was basically over when Wales #7 struck me with an open hand to my chin/neck area, you can see me looking at the Assistant Referee and waiting for a reaction from him (it happened fast and it’s understandable that he didn’t see it) without reacting yet, I got another pull on my jersey, before I go in with the similar type of action.

Slide 2: 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. Another thing worth mentioning, when he struck me, I was standing still with not a lot of movement or players trying to get involved. When I went for the same open hand towards his shoulder, you’ll see 2 Welsh players changing the dynamic of the entire picture as well as one of my teammates pulling Wales #7 around his neck away from my hand and where my force is going.

Slide 3: Another Camera Angle

So why did I post this?

To try and show people how everything happened and that it was never intentional. I would never do something like this on purpose, I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years.

Thanks to everyone that stood by me and thought the best of me. I’m sorry for letting you and the game down. That was my first red card since I started playing. I want it to be my last.

To the people that were angry and upset with my actions, I understand – because it didn’t look good on the slow motion replay and hopefully you’ve got a bit more context now.