Is Eben Etzebeth’s 12-week ban a fair punishment?
Eben Etzebeth’s 12-week ban for eye-gouging during the Springboks’ match against Wales has sparked debate over its fairness, following an initial 18-week sentence reduced by six weeks due to his good disciplinary record. Picture: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP
Image: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP
The news every South African fan had been waiting for arrived on Thursday evening - Eben Etzebeth banned for 12 weeks for eye-gouging. But was that a fair punishment, is the question.
Before we talk about the punishment - here’s what happened.
A disciplinary hearing with Etzebeth was held on Tuesday evening, but a decision on his sanction could not be reached.
The panel, which met, had to request additional time to agree on the punishment for Etzebeth. Etzebeth appeared at his World Rugby hearing for the eye-gouge incident during the Springboks’ 73-0 win over a hapless Wales in Cardiff over the weekend.
Etzebeth’s Eye Incident: Reduced 18-Week Ban After Initial Sentence
Etzebeth was involved in a scuffle with Welsh flank Alex Mann, 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. According to World Rugby’s sanctions, Etzebeth was facing a lengthy ban.
Now it turns out that Etzebeth was initially sentenced to 18 weeks, but that was reduced by six weeks due to his good disciplinary record during his 141-Test career.
The minimum ban for “intentional contact with the eye” is four weeks, while the high-end sanction can be more than 12+ weeks. In fact, the maximum ban can be as many as 52 weeks (one year).
Therefore, the minimum high-end ban was effectively applied in Etzebeth’s case. It means that this is more than just a slap on the wrist, but considering the evidence against the lock, it could have been a lot worse.
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