Sharks winger handed ban for Arms Park scuffle

NEWS: Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi has been banned for three games following an eye gouge in the Sharks’ United Rugby Championship clash with Cardiff at the Arms Park.

The Sharks won the encounter 42-22 but during the match, Mapimpi was involved in a scuffle with Cardiff replacement hooker Efan Daniel.

His jersey was pulled over his head and during this exchange, the winger was accused of making contact with Daniel’s eye.

This means the winger will miss the Sharks’ next three URC matches against the Bulls later this month and two back-to-back games against the Lions in March.

The incident was deemed worthy of a red card threshold upon later review and Mapimpi accepted responsibility for the act of foul play.

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An official URC statement issued on Tuesday stated: “The Citing Commissioner in charge reported Hollywoodbets Sharks player No 11 (Makazole Mapimpi), for an act of foul play in the 52nd minute under Law 9.12 – A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone.

“Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.”

“In the Player’s responses to the Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process (David Martin, Ireland), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a Red Card. Mr. Martin found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with a lower-end entry point warranting four weeks.

“The Player received two weeks (50%) mitigation due to his apology and fully engaged participation in the disciplinary process. The Player was previously cited for a similar offence in EPCR in the 2022/2023 season which resulted in suspension. Therefore considered an aggravating factor, warranting a further one-week sanction. This results in a three-game suspension.”

The incident caused a stir on social media and some fans called for the ‘book to be thrown’ at him.

*Mapimpi was previously cited for a similar offence in the 2022-23 EPCR season which resulted in suspension. This was considered an aggravating factor, warranting a further one-week sanction and a three-game suspension.