WATCH: Scotland back’s alleged eye gouge on Facundo Isa that could result in a HEFTY ban

Toulon forward Facundo Isa and an insert of Stafford McDowall's alleged eye gouge.
Scotland and Glasgow Warriors back Stafford McDowall could face a lengthy ban after an alleged eye gouge during the Investec Champions Cup clash against Toulon.
A citing complaint has been issued against McDowall, the EPCR have confirmed, after he is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of Toulon number eight Facundo Isa during the round two clash.
If found guilty, McDowall could face a suspension ranging anywhere from a four-match ban – reduced by a maximum of 50% – to a 208-week ban depending on the severity of the action.
Stafford McDowall’s alleged eye-gouge
The incident occurred in the 23rd minute of the match at the Stade Mayol when the Top 14 club were on the attack inside the Glasgow 22. Isa carried the ball hard to the line and was met in defence by McDowall and Rory Darge and was held up with referee Matthew Carley awarding a scrum to the visitors.
It was in the tackle that McDowall attempted to grapple the ball and seemingly made contact with Isa’s eyes with the Argentine forward receiving treatment from the Toulon medical staff afterwards.
The Scotland and Glasgow midfielder will learn the fate of his suspension on Thursday with his involvement in the 1872 Cup and URC clashes against Edinburgh now in doubt.
Stafford McDowall's alleged eye gouge on Facundo Isa.
EPCR have confirmed that he cited and will face a disciplinary panel on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/O4hLmwRhCn
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) December 18, 2024
EPCR statement
“EPCR has received a citing complaint against Glasgow Warriors centre Stafford McDowall (No 13) during the EPCR Challenge Cup Round 2 match between RC Toulon and Glasgow Warriors at Stade Mayol on Sunday 15 December 2024,” a statement read.
“McDowall is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of RC Toulon No 8 Facundo Isa, which actions were deemed reaching the threshold of a red card, in contravention of Law 9.12. The complaint was made by the match Citing Commissioner Deker Govender (South Africa).
Law 9.12 states: A player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to:
Intentional Contact with Eye(s) – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 12 weeks; Mid-range: 18 weeks; Top-end: 24-208 weeks
‘Rassie Erasmus bomb squad was copied from us’ – Franco Smith jokes
Reckless contact with Eye(s) – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 6 weeks; Mid-range: 12 weeks; Top-end: 18-208 weeks
Contact with Eye area – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 8 weeks; Top-end: 12-52 weeks
“Antony Davies (England, Chair), Ken Owens (Wales) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa) have been appointed to sit as an independent Disciplinary Committee to hear the Citing Complaint. The hearing will take place on the morning of Thursday 19 December 2024.”
READ MORE: United Rugby Championship: Round Eight match officials, kick-off times and TV coverage