Springbok star Makazole Mapimpi handed hefty ban
Today at 10:24 PM
Springboks winger Makazole Mapimpi has been handed a substantial three-game suspension following an eye gouge incident during the URC clash between the Sharks and Cardiff.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner admitted to committing an act of foul play. He was found to have physically and/or verbally abused hooker Efan Daniel in the Sharks’ 42-22 victory over Cardiff on January 25.
During an off-the-ball altercation, both players made contact with each other's faces at some point. The incident caused a stir on social media following the game and some fans wanted Makazole Mapimpi to get punished.
Subsequently, Mapimpi was cited and appeared before a judicial committee, which ultimately found him guilty of the allegations against him.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that the Boks star will face punishment for his actions, with an official URC statement issued as follows:
"The Disciplinary process related to Makazole Mapimpi citing in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 10 game against Cardiff Rugby on Saturday, January 25 has resulted in a three game suspension.
"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.
Makazole Mapimpi suspended for three matches
"In the Mapimpi'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. Martin found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with a lower end entry point warranting four weeks. The Mapimpi received two weeks (50%) mitigation due to his apology and full engaged participation in the disciplinary process. The Mapimpi 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."
Makazole Mapimpi will miss two matches against the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls.
Was the ban fair?
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