Bok lock cited for 'eye-gouging'
South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been cited for making contact with the "eye or eye area" of Scotland flyhalf Greig Laidlaw, the International Rugby Board announced Monday.
The alleged incident occurred 14 minutes into the second half of the Springboks' 21-10 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
He was cited by Alan Mansell of England.
Etzebeth, 21, will appear before an IRB disciplinary hearing on Tuesday and if found guilty faces a lengthy ban – which could include the Springboks' Test against England at Twickenham this coming Saturday.
He will appear under Law 10.4(m): Acts contrary to good sportsmanship. A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship in the playing enclosure.
The IRB's recommended sanctions for an player found guilty of 'eye-gouging' range from a low entry point of 12 weeks to a high entry point of 24 weeks, with a maximum possible ban of three years.
It is not the first time that the fiery lock has landed in hot water this year.
He was handed a two-match ban during the Rugby Championship this year for 'head-butting' Wallaby lock Nathan Sharpe.
* Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Argentina prop Juan Figallo has been cited for head-butting France captain Pascal Pape at the finish of the Pumas' 39-22 defeat in Lille on Saturday.
Figallo, who was cited by Mike Rafter of England, was cited for an incident at the end of the first half.
Hiss hearing is listed for Wednesday, with Argentina playing Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
Figallo will be charged under Law 10.4(a): Punching or striking. A player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee(s).
