Veteran New Zealand commentator Tony Johnson has blasted World Rugby’s handling of Eben Etzebeth’s 12-week suspension for eye-gouging.
In a scathing commentary, Johnson argues that the Springbok lock has effectively escaped meaningful punishment at international level.
Etzebeth was banned after making deliberate contact with the eye of Wales flank Alex Mann during the Boks’ 73-0 demolition in Cardiff. Although the disciplinary committee applied a mid-range entry point of 18 weeks, Etzebeth’s clean record and admission of guilt saw the sanction reduced to 12.
However, Johnson believes the key issue is where the ban applies.
“Did he get off lightly? Twelve weeks of club rugby for poking his thumb in a bloke’s eye socket … He’s not going to miss a beat of international stuff,” Johnson said on Sport Nation Mornings with veteran broadcaster Ian Smith. “The break will probably bring him back even fitter and meaner for next year.”
EBEN: I didn’t intend to make eye contact
Johnson argued that because the offence occurred in a Test match, the suspension should have ruled Etzebeth out of future Test fixtures, rather than United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup games for the Sharks.
“If you do the crime at top level, you do the time at top level,” he insisted.
PLUM: Eben ban a big blow for Sharks
Johnson also questioned the disciplinary panel’s reference to Ardie Savea’s character testimonial in mitigation.
“Did anyone else think it was a little bizarre that he got a character reference from Ardie Savea?” Johnson said. “If someone poked me in the eye like that, I’m not sure how kindly I’d take to someone singing their virtues.”
Former Black Caps captain Smith backed Johnson’s view, calling the sanction “very, very weak” for an offence he described as “one of the most heinous you can do”.
NIGEL: Etzebeth lucky to get 12-week ban
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post ‘Etzebeth should serve time for crime at Test level’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Veteran New Zealand commentator Tony Johnson has blasted World Rugby’s handling of Eben Etzebeth’s 12-week suspension for eye-gouging.
The post ‘Etzebeth should serve time for crime at Test level’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
