How South African supporters reacted to Eben Etzebeth eye gouge
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth leaves the field having received a red card during the Autumn Nations Series International rugby union test match between Wales and South Africa at the Principality Stadium, in Cardiff on November 29, 2025. Picture: Paul Ellis/AFP
Image: Paul Ellis/AFP
Despite the Springboks beating Wales 73-0 in their final match of their November European Tour, the big talking point was the red card for eye-gouging by Eben Etzebeth.
Etzebeth was involved in a scuffle with Welsh flank Alex Mann in the 78th minute, and the most-capped Springbok was seen on TV replays clearly sticking his thumb in his opposition player’s eye.
It was the final match of the Springboks’ November tour, after previous victories over Japan, France, Italy, and Ireland. It’s also since emerged that Mann may have actually eye-gouged Etzebeth first, but that evidence is limited to low-resolution stills and appears at this stage inconclusive. In contrast, Etzebeth’s actions were clearly caught in plain sight by TV cameras.
Here’s what rugby fans had to say about the incident on YouTube, as most condemned the actions of Etzebeth.
Eye Gouging Incident Sparks Debate: Player Safety, Respect, and Provocation Concerns
@johnrees4417 said: “Eye gouging is dangerous, and let's face it, could lead to permanent eye damage. I had it done to me once in a game as another player came from behind me and deliberately gouged me. I was lucky not to lose my sight. Throw the book at anyone who resorts to this behaviour.”
Another user, @Davideeeeeeecccce said: “I used to consider Eben one of my favourite players. After this act, I can't even consider him among the players I respect.”
Some even said it would affect how Etzebeth is viewed in years to come as @philipgoldney6005 said: “Legacy tainted. No matter what the provocation. Once seen, we can't un-see it. He could have blinded him.”
A popular sentiment though, is what exactly provoked Etzebeth as @cscoetzee said: “Let's just get all the facts first, before we satisfy our thirst for righteous judgement and condemnation.”