'You've got more context now': Eben Etzebeth speaks out with 404-word message

South Africa lock has taken to social media to “owe everyone an explanation” after receiving a 12-week ban for gouging.

The 34-year-old was slapped with the ban last week for gouging Wales flanker Alex Mann during a scuffle in the final minutes of South Africa’s 73-0 at the Principality Stadium in November.

Etzebeth received the first red card of his career for the incident, and accepted that he was guilty in a post on Instagram, but provided some context to the incident in a 404-word message.

In the post, the double World Cup winner explained how he did not intend to make contact with the eyes of Mann, but the dynamics of the brawl resulted in the red card incident.

Though he provided some context, Etzebeth said he deserves the suspension, and vowed he will not be red carded again.

“Hey Everyone,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I’ve been quiet, but now that my hearing is done I think I owe everyone an explanation

“First of all, this is not a post to show that I was not guilty, I accept guilt. I made a mistake and I’m willing to serve a suspension which I deserve.

“I don’t want young kids who look up to the Springboks to think that it’s OK to eye gouge someone, because it’s not, but unfortunately mistakes happen and I made a big one for which I’m sorry.

“But I’d like to answer the question – why did you do such a thing?

“It was a mistake caused by my reaction and other factors that played a role.

Slide 1: The scuffle was basically over when Wales #7 struck me with an open hand to my chin/neck area, you can see me looking at the Assistant Referee and waiting for a reaction from him (it happened fast and it’s understandable that he didn’t see it) without reacting yet, I got another pull on my jersey, before I go in with the similar type of action.

“Slide 2: You can clearly see my first point of contact is against his shoulder with an open hand, just like he did, except he got me on the chin. Another thing worth mentioning, when he struck me, I was standing still with not a lot of movement or players trying to get involved. When I went for the same open hand towards his shoulder, you’ll see 2 Welsh players changing the dynamic of the entire picture as well as one of my teammates pulling Wales #7 around his neck away from my hand and where my force is going.

“Slide 3: Another Camera Angle

“So why did I post this? To try and show people how everything happened and that it was never intentional. I would never do something like this on purpose, I know what the consequences will be after playing rugby for a few years.

“Thanks to everyone that stood by me and thought the best of me. I’m sorry for letting you and the game down. That was my first red card since I started playing. I want it to be my last.

“To the people that were angry and upset with my actions, I understand – because it didn’t look good on the slow motion replay and hopefully you’ve got a bit more context now.”

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