Etzebeth accepts 12-week ban but insists eye-gouge on Alex Mann 'was never intentional'
Etzebeth took to his Instagram account to describe what happened from his perspective
©PA
Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has accepted a 12-week suspension for eye-gouging Wales’ Alex Mann but insists the incident 'was never intentional'.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the Sharks second row apologised, saying "unfortunately mistakes happen."
The 34-year-old, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, highlighted 'other factors' in the incident, sharing three videos that, he said, show two Welsh players along with Mann, that changed "the dynamic of the entire picture."
Originally handed an 18-week ban, Etzebeth’s suspension was reduced to 12 weeks due to mitigating factors, including his previously clean disciplinary record.
"I’ve been quiet, but now that my hearing is done, I think I owe everyone an explanation. I accept guilt. I made a mistake and I’m willing to serve a suspension which I deserve.
"I don’t want young kids who look up to the Springboks to think that it’s OK to eye gouge someone, because it’s not, but unfortunately mistakes happen. I would never do something like this on purpose. I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years."
Etzebeth said Mann struck him on the neck or chin - unseen by officials - before he retaliated with an open-handed blow. "You can clearly see my first point of contact is against his shoulder with an open hand, just like he did, except he got me on the chin," he explained.
"When I went for the same open hand towards his shoulder, you’ll see two Welsh players changing the dynamic of the entire picture, as well as one of my teammates pulling [Mann] around his neck away from my hand and where my force is going."
Etzebeth claimed this sequence led to an accidental eye-gouge. "Why did I post this?" he added. "To try and show people how everything happened and that it was never intentional. I would never do something like this on purpose."
However, the Quilter Nations Series confirmed the committee’s ruling last Wednesday: "Having considered the Player’s and other evidence and reviewed the footage, the Disciplinary Committee have determined that contact with the eye was intentional."
