Eben Etzebeth's 12-week ban for eye-gouging Wales flanker Alex Mann has sparked debate. We delve into the history of eye-gouging bans, comparing Etzebeth's sanction to some of the harshest penalties in recent memory.
The Eye-Gouging Scandal: A Historical Perspective
Eben Etzebeth's ban is a stark reminder of the severity of eye-gouging in rugby. Let's explore some of the most notorious eye-gouging incidents and their consequences.
David Attoub: 70-Week Ban
- In 2009, David Attoub, a prop for Stade Francais, received a staggering 70-week ban for gouging Ulster's Stephen Ferris during a Champions Cup match. This was the longest suspension since Richard Nones' 104-week ban in 1999.
- The judicial officer, Jeff Blackett, described it as the worst act of eye contact he had ever dealt with, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the act and its impact on the victim.
Dylan Hartley: 26-Week Ban
- Dylan Hartley, a hooker for Northampton Saints, accumulated 60 weeks' worth of bans throughout his career. His first ban, for gouging James Haskell and Johnny O'Connor, resulted in a 26-week suspension.
- The vulnerability of the eye area and the risk of permanent injury were highlighted by Blackett, who emphasized the seriousness of the offense.
Julien Dupuy: 24-Week Ban
- Julien Dupuy, a French scrum-half, received a 24-week ban for gouging Ferris in the same match as Attoub. The Stade Francais president, Max Guazzini, accused the IRB of bias and political motives.
Neil Best: 18-Week Ban
- Neil Best, a forward for Northampton Saints, was banned for 18 weeks for gouging Haskell's eye in 2008. The panel's written judgment emphasized the grave nature of the act and its impact on Haskell.
Marius Țincu: 18-Week Ban
- Marius Țincu, a Romanian hooker, was banned for 18 weeks for gouging Ospreys prop Paul James in 2008. The French club, Perpignan, appealed the suspension, but it was ultimately dismissed.
Mauro Bergamasco: 17-Week Ban
- Mauro Bergamasco, an Italian flanker, received a 17-week ban for gouging Wales full-back Lee Byrne in 2008. His suspension was increased to 17 weeks after an unsuccessful appeal.
Leonardo Ghiraldini: 15-Week Ban
- Leonardo Ghiraldini, an Italian hooker, was banned for 15 weeks for gouging Cian Healy's eye area. The judicial officer, Bruce Squire QC, deemed it a top-end offense.
Josaia Raisuqe: 15-Week Ban
- Josaia Raisuqe, a winger for Stade Francais, received a 21-week ban, reduced to 15 weeks, for gouging CJ Stander in 2015/16.
Seru Rabeni: 14-Week Ban
- Seru Rabeni, a Fijian player, was banned for 14 weeks for gouging Andi Kyriacou's eye in 2007/08.
Alan Quinlan: 12-Week Ban
- Alan Quinlan, a Munster forward, missed the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour due to a 12-week ban for gouging Leo Cullen.
Shane Jennings: 12-Week Ban
- Shane Jennings, a Leinster player, was banned for 12 weeks for gouging Nick Kennedy's eye.
Juan Manuel Leguizamón: 12-Week Ban
- Juan Manuel Leguizamón, a forward for Stade Francais and Argentina, received an 80-day ban for gouging Jean Bouilhou's eye area.
Richie Rees: 12-Week Ban
- Richie Rees, a Welsh scrum-half, was banned for 12 weeks for gouging Dylan Hartley's eye.
Eben Etzebeth's Defense: Accidental or Intentional?
- Etzebeth argued that his contact with Alex Mann's eye was accidental. However, the disciplinary panel disagreed, finding it intentional and imposing a 12-week ban.
The Debate Continues
- The severity of Etzebeth's ban has sparked debate, with some arguing it was too harsh, while others believe it sends a necessary message.
Conclusion
- Eye-gouging remains a serious offense in rugby, and the consequences can be severe. Etzebeth's ban serves as a reminder of the importance of player safety and fair play.
