Eben Etzebeth, lock forward for South Africa, appeared today before the independent IRB-appointed Judicial Officer, David Martin (Ireland), having been cited for alleged contact with the eye or eye area of an opponent in the match between Scotland and South Africa at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Etzebeth was cited by Alan Mansell of England for contact with the eye(s) or eye area under Law 10.4 (m) on Scotland No 10, Greig Laidlaw, after 14 minutes of the second half of the match at Murrayfield on Saturday. Law 10.4(m) relates to acts contrary to good sportsmanship and that a player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship in the playing enclosure.
The Judicial Officer held that the contact in the area of the Scotland player's eyes was accidental, and as such did not constitute foul play.
Eben Etzebeth is free to resume playing immediately and will be available to play for the Springboks against England at Twickenham on Saturday.