I don’t want to lose my contract : Players pleads after URC final verdict

Loose forward Mpilo Gumede has been banned for the Bulls’ crucial fixtures in the Investec Champions Cup after pleading guilty to ‘eye-gouging’ during the URC clash against Connacht.

Referee Mike Adamson gave the Bulls back-rower his marching orders before the hour mark of the United Rugby Championship clash in Galway under Law 9.12.

The law states: “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. In this instance reckless contact with the eyes.”

Mpilo Gumede banned

The incident occurred in the 58th minute when Gumede took exception to a clearout by Connacht replacement David Hawkshaw and pushed him in the face, leading to claims that there had been an eye gouge.

Upon a review with the TMO, the officials stated that while the Bulls forward had not gouged the Connacht back, his fingers were in the vicinity of the eyes and the action therefore still constituted a red card.

Speaking after the game, Bulls boss Jake White felt that his player had been harshly sent off.

“I will say on record that I heard the TMO say there was no complete evidence that it’s in the eyes, that it’s just to the face,” White said.

“I think that will probably be what will come out because it’s irrelevant. He was held behind the ruck, and the TMO’s voice was that it should’ve been a penalty for lifting his leg and holding him behind the ruck.

“I must say I thought the red card was a bit harsh, to be fair, but we’ve got to adapt.”

Jake White addresses controversial red card for ‘eye gouge’ as Bulls boss urges players to ‘adapt’

Gumede has since faced a disciplinary process which has resulted in a three-match ban after he accepted that he had committed an act of foul play.

“In the Player’s responses to the Judicial Officer overseeing the disciplinary process (Mr. Declan Goodwin), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a Red Card. Mr. Goodwin found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with a low-end entry point warranting a six-week suspension,” a statement from the URC read.

“The Player received three weeks (50%) mitigation due to his immediate apology, full engaged participation in the disciplinary process and good record which results in a three-game suspension.”

Due to the incident being an act of foul play, Gumede cannot shorten his suspension through World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme and will miss the Bulls’ next three games, including their Investec Champions Cup clashes against Saracens and Northampton Saints, as well as their URC derby against the Sharks.

Sean Jansen banned

Meanwhile, Connacht flanker Sean Jansen has also been banned following an incident in the same match.

Jansen was red carded in the 21st minute of the fixture against the Bulls under Law 9.16 which states: “A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grasp that player.”

Like Gumede, Jansen accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card and Judicial Officer Achille Reali deemed that the incident met the entry of mid-range, warranting a six-week suspension.

He too received three weeks (50%) mitigation due to his good record and apology which resulted in a three-game suspension.

He will miss Connacht’s Challenge Cup matches against Zebre and Perpignan, and the URC clash against Leinster.