Eben Etzebeth could face 2-year ban for eye-gouging against Wales

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is expected to appear before a disciplinary hearing today (2 December) following his red card against Wales over the weekend. 

He was shown a red card in the 79th minute by referee Luc Ramos for an alleged eye-gouging incident in South Africa's dominant 73-0 win in Cardiff. 

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“He was certainly provoked, I think that is fair to say. But that still doesn’t exonerate him from what was a blatant thumb in the eye of his opponent. And it didn’t look good,” says sports editor Craig Ray.

The consequences could be severe, with a potential ban of 12 weeks to two years.

While the international season has ended, a potential ban would be a blow for Etzebeth’s club, The Sharks, who recently kicked off their Champions Cup campaign. 

“Over 140 tests,  before the weekend, I think, he has had two yellow cards. He is a hard man at rugby, and he has carried this reputation as the enforcer, but he is generally pretty clean. Saturday was an aberration,” argues Ray. 

Rays adds that Etzebeth’s good disciplinary record may play to his advantage.

“At 34, he is coming to the backend of his career. But even 12 or 24 weeks at this stage of his career would be damaging.” 

To listen to Ray in conversation with CapeTalk’s Amy MacIver, click below: