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An independent disciplinary panel met on Tuesday, but took an extra 24 hours deliberation to decide on a sanction.<\/p>\n
Led by Christopher Quinlan KC, the panel found that contact with the eye was intentional and a “mid-range” entry point of 18 weeks was appropriate. Mitigating factors including the player’s previous record meant that was reduced to 12 weeks.<\/p>\n
Etzebeth was the third South African forward to be shown a red card in four matches this autumn after Franco Mostert, against Italy, and Lood de Jaeger against France. <\/p>\n
Mostert’s red was later rescinded by a disciplinary panel and downgraded to a yellow.<\/p>\n
World Rugby’s sanctions for eye-gouging – described as “intentional contact with the eyes” – run from a ban ranging from 12 weeks at the low end, to a maximum of four years.<\/p>\n
Bans for “reckless contact with the eyes” can range from six weeks to four years. Bans for “contact with the eye area” range from four weeks to one year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n