Italian captain Sergio Parisse has been suspended for eight weeks after an eye-gouging incident during his teams 27-6 loss to New Zealand on Saturday.
Parisse was cited after TV replays showed that he made contact with the eyes of All Black lock Isaac Ross in the second half.
He appeared before a IRB judicial officer in Christchurch and was punished following television footage and reports from the match referee and linesmen.
They found that he had not acted intentionally, but deemed his actions to be reckless. He was charged with the lower range offence, which carries a recommended sentence of 12 weeks.
It was reduced to eight weeks because of mitigating circumstances, as they noted that the initial contact with Ross had been on his cheek, before the hand slipped to the eye, causing only brief contact.
Ross was also unharmed, which helped Parisses cause, as did the fact that in 65 Test matches, hes never been yellow or red carded.
Parisses suspension will be delayed until the start of the Italian club season. He will be eligible to resume playing in late September.
Lets hear your thoughts
This is second suspension of the weekend for eye-gouging. Is the punishment for this offence too lenient, or is 8 to 12 weeks fair?
Time:
01:15
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