Schalk: ‘I’m no thug’
2 Jul 2009
Schalk Burger says it was never his intention to gouge the eye area of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald.
Burger received an eight-week ban for what was perceived to be an act of eye-gouging on Saturday, but the judiciary that made the ruling confirmed this was not the case. Burger was found guilty of committing an act contrary to good sportsmanship by making contact with Fitzgerald’s face.
In a statement, Burger said he is not a dirty player.
‘As a proud South African and Springbok rugby player I only have the utmost respect for the traditions of the wonderful game of rugby. Through my life and career I have always approached the game with the intention only of playing it hard and fair.
‘I am not a rugby thug and will never intentionally engage in eye gouging or similar illegal actions. This was also the case in the second Test against the Lions.
‘I am therefore grateful that the judicial officer confirmed my stance with his conclusion that there was no deliberate eye gouging as charged by the citing official.
‘I will always play the game as hard as possible within the rules. I apologise to my supporters and fellow team mates for the fact that I have been absent for the first ten minutes of the second test. I look forward to returning with zest in due course.’
The judicial officer said Burger was reckless, but there was no intent to gouge Fitzgerald’s eye. The fact that there was no injury to the Lions wing’s eye did not influence the ruling in any way.
In conclusion, contact was made with the eye area and, whether intentional or not, this could not be ignored.
The fact that Burger showed remorse counted in his favour.
309 Comments
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4 Jul 2009, 01:19 am
#300 Boertjie:
perhaps you should stop taking the drugs now. you are clearly mental.
4 Jul 2009, 01:30 am
#301 Dubliner:
Actually, I think it would be better for everyone if he kept taking them.
Dont you just love the irony, the local boys beating up on the BIL supporters for being whingers and yet the Bok Capt comes out today still complaining about the Bakkies ban – this after a citing, a banning and an unsuccessful appeal.
Oh sure, its always the other guys….
4 Jul 2009, 01:34 am
#302 WakaNathan:
the expession ‘one-eyed’ doesn’t do the average dutchm@n justice. what expression could?
4 Jul 2009, 06:07 am
#288 Hurricane re ” anyone seen Fitzpatrick’s ear ”
I remember that.
But have you seen Carozza’s face – with special thanks to Loe.
4 Jul 2009, 07:13 am
#303 Dubliner:
Let’s just call them the British and ‘Wailing’ Lions from now on. instead of the Irish Lions.
We have lost all our respect for the Irish component of the team.
O’Gara. BOD, O’Connell….all those ‘O’s’ in the side, bunch of pussies.
Wailers.
4 Jul 2009, 10:09 am
#305 Pietman:
altho I believe it is your Captain who hasnt stopped whinging re Bakkies despite being banned and losing the appeal.
4 Jul 2009, 10:18 am
#306 WakaNathan: You haven’t been concentrating….just about anyone who knows anything about rugby have been objecting. Wakey wakey……
4 Jul 2009, 10:48 am
#307 Bul-a-Bhloo:
oh you mean like citing officers, IRB, fans…..
When the BILs complained, they were labelled whingers. When Safas complain, theyre suddenly trying to do rugby a favour ?
You guyys just dont when to give it a rest. This is hardly Bakkies 1st banning for the same offence anyway, banned also last year for same offence on Mortlock, a serial flying-headbutter !
4 Jul 2009, 10:51 am
#308 WakaNathan: See #307….
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