Mapimpi branded a ‘thug’ over brawl, alleged ‘eye-gouge’ [video]
Eye-gouge or not? Sharks and Springbok Makazole Mapimpi is accused of foul play against Cardiff Rugby player Efan Daniel…
A usually chilled Makazole Mapimpi lost his cool in a heated clash with a young Cardiff Rugby player. And many are accusing the Springbok and Sharks star of being a “rugby thug” following the incident.
The Sharks beat the Welsh team 42-22 on Saturday, 25 January.
MAKAZOLE MAPIMPI BRANDED A ‘THUG’
During the second of the match against Cardiff Rugby, Makazole Mapimpi butted heads with Welsh player Efan Daniel. The incident took place after the referee awarded a penalty to the home side.
In a clip posted on social media, the ripped 34-year-old collided with the 22-year-old. A scuffle then ensued, with Daniel ripping the Springbok’s shirt off his back. The duo exchanged heated words and took swipes at each other’s faces.
According to Wales Online, a shirtless Mapimpi attempted to “eye gouge” the younger player. The claim has been widely disputed by rugby fans on social media.
However, Welsh fans have come out in support of a claim that Mapimpi be issued a ban.
“Makazole Mapimpi could be one of rugby’s biggest thugs for that alleged eye gouge on Efan Daniel,” tweeted Welshe Rugby critic Andrew Forde.”
A few agreed.
@Smallclone_: “That is simply an eye gouge. No other way of putting it.
@sportslaw_uk: “That should be a very long ban.”
However, others were convinced that Mapimpi had “done nothing wrong.”. Some even suggested that Daniel had attempted to eye-gouge the South African.
According to RugbyPass, neither Sharks coach John PLumtree nor Mapimpi made mention of the incident following the game.
NOT THE FIRST TIME?
In 2022, Makazole Mapimpi landed himself in hot water after he was found guilty of eye-gouging Bordeaux-Bègles scrumhalf Maxime Lucu.
A four-week ban was issued in a hearing held by the European Rugby Champions Cup independent disciplinary committee.
The organisation said in a statement: “The committee upheld the citing complaint, finding Mapimpi had made reckless contact with Lucu’s eye area, which warranted a red card, and it determined the offending was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and four weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.”
The ban was later reduced to two weeks.
EYE-GOUGING AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
According to World Rugby [previously called the International Rugby Board], eye-gouging between players is a serious offence and is considered foul play.
The organisation defines foul play as “Anything a player does within the playing enclosure that is against the letter and spirit of the Laws of the game. It includes obstruction, unfair play, repeated infringements, dangerous play, and misconduct which is prejudicial to the game”
The offender can receive anything from 4 weeks to a three-year ban if found guilty.
DO YOU THINK MAKAZOLE MAPIMPI ATTEMPTED TO EYE-GOUGE EFAN DANIEL OR NOT?
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