13 weeks for gouging(fair enough too)

[frontrow]

Italy flanker Mauro Bergamasco was banned for 13 weeks after a disciplinary panel here today found him guilty of gouging the eye of Wales full-back Lee Byrne during the Azzurri's 47-8 Six Nations defeat in Cardiff last weekend.

The ban, which applies across all levels of rugby union, effectively ends the Stade Francais player's season as he will now not be able to resume playing until June.

He does, however, have the right of appeal, against a ban which rules him out of Italy's Six Nations matches away to France on March 9 and at home to Scotland on March 15.

A statement issued on behalf of the Six Nations here todaysaid: "Following a citing by the independent Citing Commissioner, Mauro Bergamasco, the Italy loose forward, has been suspended from playing for 13 weeks, from March 3, 2008, having been found to have deliberately placed his finger in the right eye of Lee Byrne, the Wales full back, in the 6 Nations match on Saturday.

"Bergamasco will be free to resume playing on June 2 2008, and has the right of appeal."

AFP

[jargan83]

Why do people do stupid things like this these days when even if its missed by the officials at the game odds are you will get caught by one of the hundreds of tv cameras at the game. Good riddence too, eye gouging is pretty low

[frontrow]

Up there with head stomping in my opinion...

[hopep]

Its easy to hit someone in the eye as you tackle or bind in a maul, but only momentarily. nearly everyone will 'unbind' as soon as they hit something soft.
on occasions an 'eye hit' IS accidental - lets assume the video ref had a clear view and this guy got just what he deserves, a season of sitting down and thinking.

I think head stomping is much worse. Heads (even without hair) can NEVER be mistaken for a ball.

[no.8]

No place in the game for that type of thing - brings back sickening memories of John Eales and various New Zealanders in the 1999 world cup final after playing against the Ibanez lead French team and their alleged gouging and biting tactics.

John Eales right eye was proof enough for me!!!

Mind you the big lug didn't whinge...

[prop53]

yeah agree with you No 8 no place in our beloved game for that sort of thing deserved everthing he got pity it was not more.

[GIGS20]

I agree, bolldy weak if you ask me......If he got 13 weeks, there's no question it was an accidental 'eye hit' during a bind or anything like that!

[AndyS]

Did anyone else see this in the paper the other day? Must have mistook him for a bowling ball...

[prop53]

Now thats a finger in the pie opps sorry eye

[jono]

my god.
what penalty did he get?

[fulvio sammut]

Unfair! Bloody Welshman attacks Mauro's fingers with his malevolent eyeballs and poor old Mauro gets 13 weeks! If he played for Nedlands Mauro would have got a commendation for bravery and criminal injuries compensation.

[brokendown gunfighter]

Unfair! Bloody Welshman attacks Mauro's fingers with his malevolent eyeballs and poor old Mauro gets 13 weeks! If he played for Nedlands Mauro would have got a commendation for bravery and criminal injuries compensation.

just cracked your 2nd Vino Fulvio?

[fulvio sammut]

BDG! How did I know I would find you lurking somewhere hereabouts!

no, Jober as a Sudge and contemplating the injustices of this world, that's all.

But we we can crack that bottle of vino after the 7's tomorrow if you like.

Do Perth stock a good wine or is it all that New Zealand bilge water?

[brokendown gunfighter]

BDG! How did I know I would find you lurking somewhere hereabouts!

no, Jober as a Sudge and contemplating the injustices of this world, that's all.

But we we can crack that bottle of vino after the 7's tomorrow if you like.

Do Perth stock a good wine or is it all that New Zealand bilge water?

I think they bottle it under the Cuzzy Bro label

[prop53]

Any one plays for Neddies desrevesa medal any way