Bryan Habana: Eben Etzebeth facing lengthy ban for shocking eye gouge but it does not diminish his greatness
Eben Etzebeth after being red carded against Wales and Springboks legend Bryan Habana.
Springboks legend Bryan Habana believes Eben Etzebeth is set for a “lengthy” spell on the sidelines after his red card against Wales.
South Africa ended another impressive season in fine style by thrashing the Welshmen 73-0 at the Principality Stadium, but it was marred by a shocking incident at the end of the game.
Etzebeth scored the last of the Boks’ 11 tries but he was then sent-off for an eye-gouge on opposition flanker Alex Mann after they got involved in a scuffle.
Even if it was not intentional, Habana felt there was no excuse for his actions with a ban no doubt coming for the Sharks second-row.
How long could Etzebeth be banned for?
How long that will be shall be determined by an independent disciplinary panel, who have a range of sanctions available to them.
Intentional or reckless contact with the eye carries a maximum suspension of 208 weeks, or four years, while ‘contact with the eye area’ can be up to 12 months.
It is highly unlikely to be that long but it will be interesting to see where how the committee assesses the actions of Etzebeth.
“Also.. I’ve just seen the @Springboks score line but more so the incident with Eben… as great a player and person as he is, there’s no room for that in the game,” Habana wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Justified red card and should be facing a lengthy time on the sidelines…”
Law discussion: Eben Etzebeth’s ban for an eye gouge unlikely to be nearly as harsh as you think
It was a surprising action from a player of such experience, who is now the Springboks’ record cap holder.
Despite his hardman status Etzebeth has not usually crossed that line, but that changed on Saturday after he saw red.
In responding to Habana, one fan suggested that this act should change how the lock is perceived in the game.
“Think that act demands a reassessment of any perceived greatness. Always been worried about Eben’s self-control when that red mist descends. And now he has this permanent, glaring stain on his record,” they wrote.
Etzebeth’s ‘greatness’
Habana did not accept that assertion, insisting that Etzebeth will still go down as one of South Africa’s and the sport’s greats irrespective of the suspension handed out.
“I disagree with you about a reassessment of any perceived greatness,” he wrote.
“He has not only been the ultimate professional, hardest worker and team man but he has become SA’s most capped player because of how great he is…
“Multiple SA rugby player of the year awards. He should have, in my opinion won a World Player of the year award.
“Two rugby World Cups behind his name.. The youngest player to reach 100 caps… 1 incident, as bad as it is, should not take away how influential a player he is.”
