Stuart Hogg denies accusations of biting South Africa fullback Willie Le Roux
Stuart Hogg (in picture) has denied biting Willie Le Roux during the second Test
©PA
British & Irish Lions fullback Stuart Hogg has ‘categorically’ denied accusations of biting South Africa fullback Willie Le Roux during the recently concluded second Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Hogg was involved in a scuffle with videos circulating in social media of the Scotland international alleged to have bit Le Roux on arm but the 29-year-old in a statement released by the Lions denied the charges.
"Following speculation that has surfaced online, I would like to categorically deny any foul play in last night's game," Hogg said in a statement released by the Lions.
"I would never bite an opponent and I am annoyed and upset by this unsubstantiated accusation. I've always been proud of playing rugby in the spirit of the game.
"Respect to the Springboks for their deserved win yesterday. The squad is hurting after last night's defeat, but it's all to play for next week. It's going to be a cup final and everyone's going to be up for it."
Lions lock Maro Itoje was also accused of kneeling on Damian De Allende’s chest and neck area during the encounter.
Meanwhile, retired referee Nigel Owens, who is part of Sky Sports commentary team said Cheslin Kolbe was lucky to get away with just a yellow card for his tackle on Conor Murray.
"You start at red and then you work down on mitigating circumstances," said Owens.
"The only circumstances are whether Biggar and Curry have shielded Murray and affected Kolbe's line of sight?
"But they do not do that and there is no mitigation here - Kolbe has enough time to change what he is doing. The onus is on Kolbe to be aware of the man in the air."
