Does Eben Etzebeth’s apology-come-explanation change anything?
Eben Etzebeth’s Instagram post offers a mix of apology and explanation for the eye-gouge incident with Alex Mann, emphasising his regret and the unintentional nature of the act, despite provocation, while acknowledging his first red card in a 141-Test career. Picture: Paul Ellis/AFP
Image: Paul Ellis/AFP
Reading Eben Etzebeth’s Instagram post of what led to the eye gouge of Welsh flanker Alex Mann, it was difficult to determine if it was more of an apology for his actions or an explanation by the Springboks.
To be honest, I think it was both.
The 404-word post included the word sorry once. I believe that he’s genuinely apologetic for the eye-gouge which led to his 12-week ban from rugby.
He also made sure to mention that this is not how he wanted young kids to see the game played, but then he immediately followed that up with the words ‘mistakes happen.”
Etzebeth’s Red Card: Provocation or Intentional Act?
The main point of the post was about going into detail about what led to the incident, but that it was not intentional.
That for me was a stretch; the big man was definitely provoked and angered by Mann, and though there was definitely a ‘red-mist’ factor, I think he was still perfectly in control of his actions.
The provocation does not excuse the fact that he acted deliberately and intentionally. If it was a complete accident, like for example tackling another player around the neck after they had slipped, it could be more believable.
This was an off-the-ball incident, that simply should not have happened.
It’s also true that this was the first red card of Etzebeth’s 141-Test career, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t seen glimpses of his temper before. It comes with the job description as a brutal enforcer, as he is one of the big reasons why the Springboks have enjoyed such a long period of sustained dominance.
But to argue it was unintentional was taking it a bit far.
I do, however, agree with Etzebeth that he probably won’t do it again, as his time on the sidelines will give him the time he needs to think about the legacy he leaves behind in rugby.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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