Etzebeth cites provocation at red-card hearing

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth awaits his verdict following a hearing with the World Rugby Independent Judiciary Committee.

Referee Luc Ramos showed the 34-year-old a red card in the 79th minute for an alleged eye-gouging incident in South Africa's dominant 73-0 win in Cardiff.

RELATED: South Africa inflict record 73-0 home defeat on Wales

Speaking to 947’s Robert Marawa, sports editor Mike Greenaway says Etzebeth’s team presented its case on Tuesday, citing provocation by Welsh player Alex Mann. 

“Eben was saying his being gouged, the Welsh player is saying he’s been gouged, and then the TMO shows that Eben definitely gets caught, but we have seen what happened before.” 

Former junior Springbok player Thando Manana explains that the rules are clear, and the consequences could be severe.

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

“If you look at regulation 17 (9.2), it states clearly that a player must not physically abuse anyone. The eye-gouge that he went for, he could out for four weeks, and that is the minimum… people are also calling for +12 weeks, or he gets the maximum, which is 54 weeks.” 

Manana explains that the committee will consider the referee’s report, the TMO’s assessment, as well as Etzebeth’s previous disciplinary record before making a decision.

This may not affect the Springboks as the international tour has concluded, but it will affect his club, The Sharks.

To listen to Manana and Greenaway in conversation with 947’s Robert Marawa, click the audio player below: