Eben Etzebeth faces an anxious wait to hear just how long his suspension will be after being shown a deserved red card for making contact with the eyes of Wales opponent Alex Mann in the Springboks’ season-ending Test.
The disciplinary panel that reviewed the case met for around five hours on Tuesday, but reportedly could not come to an agreement on the appropriate length of his ban.
It’s understood that Etzebeth argued that he did not make ‘intentional’ contact with the eyes of the Wales flanker, and it’s now up to the panel to decide if they agree that his actions were simply ‘reckless’ instead.
By looking at the table below, you can see that there are significant differences on the length of the ban depending on whether it is deemed to be intentional or reckless.
Either way, it’s hard to see Etzebeth receiving anything less than a 12 week ban, which could be slightly reduced by some mitigating factors, and perhaps whether a legitimate defence of ‘provocation’ can be presented.
TROUBLE IN STORE FOR EBEN ETZEBETH
Anxious wait in store
It’s reported that Etzebeth may only learn of the disciplinary verdict by Sunday or Monday, but either way a lengthy ban lies in store.
Speaking on The Verdict show, former Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger was the latest to admit that the actions of Etzebeth were inexcusable, especially in the context of the match situation.
“That’s where he gets it wrong. He is pushing in the face. Something can just go wrong. Even if they freeze-frame it nowadays, and they freeze-frame your hand in someone’s face, you’re in trouble from the get-go,” he said.
“I’m probably the last to talk. I’ve been accused a few times, but it was silly. Also 73-zip. The game’s done. What are you proving? You’re proving nothing.”
