I make no comment about Schalk Burger's attack on Luke Fitzgerald during the first minute of Saturday's test match between the Lions and the Springboks. I was not in a position to see it. But the linesman reckoned that Burger was guilty of 'gouging' the eyes of a defenceless fellow rugby player, and the referee sent him to the bin for 10 minutes. If he was indeed guilty of such a crime (and I use the word 'crime' deliberately) he should have been sent off and should be banned for six months minimum.
I know these things happen in the heat of the moment. I was far from an angel in my playing days, though I never 'gouged' anyone. But what was a shocking and unforgivable offence was for the South Africa coach to justify this spiteful and cowardly attack as "a part of sport". Its clear that De Villiers is not a fit person to be part of any sport. He should either apologise for his stupidity or be sacked.
5 comments:
well someone has seen sense....
8 week ban
I have been the victim of gouging while playing rugby, and it is a terrifying experience. There is no justification for it - none whatsoever - if I was a professional (stop sniggering at the back) I would seriously consider criminal charges. Punching and kicking and genral physical abuse has to be tolerated in rugby - gouging and biting has no place.
with further thought - should have been 6 months
There seems no appetite at all to clean up foul play.The last Lions tour felt flat from the opening of the first test when the captain, O'Driscoll, was taken out of the match,the series and was fortunate not to be permanently maimed.Nothing done then,little done now.
Sooner or later the clubs will prevent their players going on these tours if they have them back injured for months and have to pay them in the meantime.I fear that one day there is going to be a really devastating injury caused.
Penddu, Bonetired and Penlan - This incident has blighted what was a great match, and has seriously besmirched the name of Burger (and Sergio Parrise who has just done the same thing). Umaga has never recovered his reputation after the O'Driscoll incident. Three great players bringing shame down upon themselves.
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