Lions in SA
Schalk says he is sorry
2009-07-03 09:00
Email | Print
JJ HarmsePretoria – Suspended Springbok flank, Schalk Burger on Thursday apologised for the incident that resulted in him being yellow carded in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.
"I'm sorry, South Africa. I'm sorry, Springboks," said Burger in a statement.
He was found guilty of unsportsmanlike behaviour and suspended for eight weeks.
Bryce Lawrence, a touch judge, reported Burger pulling Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald from a maul. Burger was given a yellow card by referee Christophe Bardos, and later cited by the New Zealander Steve Hinds for alleged eye gouging.
"As a proud South African and Springbok rugby player I have much respect for the traditions of the wonderful game of rugby. Throughout my whole life and career I have always approached the game with one goal: to play it hard and honestly. I am not a rugby thug and will never deliberately gouge eyes or do something similar, which is illegal," he added.
"I am therefore relieved that the judicial officer in his investigation confirmed that I never deliberately attacked an opponent's eyes as the citing official alleged. I will always try to play the game as hard as possible, but within the rules. I apologise to my supporters and team-mates for being off the field for the first ten minutes of the game. I am looking forward to returning whole-heartedly to the game in the near future."
Burger was accused by Lions wing Shane Williams and scrumhalf Mike Phillips, of "cowardly" behaviour. But Alan Hudson, the judicial official could find no proof that Burger deliberately tried to injure Fitzgerald's eyes or to attack them.
He did note that Burger was reckless and that he should have foreseen that there could be serious consequences.
Hudson found him guilty of unsportsmanlike behaviour but added that Burger’s clean record in this regard and strong evidence about his personality by presented coach Dick Muir and team manager Arthob Petersen had convinced him to impose a less serious punishment.
While Burger could've been suspended for 12 weeks, Hudson recommended only eight weeks.
Meanwhile, Bakkies Botha on Thursday heard his appeal against his suspension of two weeks, had failed. He said the ruling "makes me sick".
"I can't believe it, I'm stunned. I would like to see how players clear out rucks after this."