Springbok star Makazole Mapimpi receives three-game ban
The incident happened during the URC clash between the Sharks and Cardiff
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Springboks winger Makazole Mapimpi has been handed a three-game suspension following an eye gouge incident during the United Rugby Championship (URC) match between the Sharks and Cardiff on January 25.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner was found guilty of foul play after a physical altercation with Cardiff hooker Efan Daniel.
The incident, which took place in the 52nd minute of the game, gained significant attention on social media, with many fans calling for disciplinary action against Mapimpi.
The South African winger admitted to the offense and appeared before a judicial committee, where he was officially sanctioned.
An official statement from the URC confirmed the details of the disciplinary process and the decision to impose a three-game ban.
“The Disciplinary process related to Makazole Mapimpi citing in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 10 game against Cardiff Rugby on Saturday, January 25 has resulted in a three-game suspension.”
The Citing Commissioner reported that Mapimpi was guilty of an act of foul play under Law 9.12, which prohibits physical and verbal abuse, including contact with the eye or eye area.
During the hearing, Mapimpi accepted that his actions warranted a red card. The judicial officer, David Martin from Ireland, determined that the incident met the threshold for a red card offense.
The initial sanction was set at four weeks, but Mapimpi received a 50% mitigation due to his apology and full participation in the disciplinary process.
However, his previous citing for a similar offense in the 2022/2023 European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) season was considered an aggravating factor, leading to an additional one-week suspension.
As a result of the ban, Mapimpi will be unavailable for two crucial URC matches against the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls.
