South Africa forward Schalk Burger has denied deliberately eye-gouging Luke Fitzgerald in the second Lions Test against South Africa and passed up the opportunity to apologise to the Ireland wing for the incident that earned him an eight-week ban.
Burger will miss Saturday's Test series finale at Ellis Park after he was yellow-carded in the first-minute of South Africa's 28-25 win in Pretoria last weekend and subsequently suspended by the IRB after being cited.
The ban also sidelines him for South Africa's opening three Tri-Nations Tests this summer.
Canadian judicial officer Alan Hudson heard the case and said he did not find the player's actions intentional, but did believe them to be "clearly reckless".
He added he was "unable to conclude" any eye-gouging on Burger's part, although he said contact with Fitzgerald's left eye could not be described as "insignificant".
In deciding on the length of ban - which was lower than many people expected - Hudson took into account Burger's previous disciplinary record, his character and the player's remorse.
Burger’s statement today, however, would suggest that remorse only extends to his team-mates and the South African fans.
"As a proud South African and Springbok rugby player, I only have the utmost respect for the traditions of the wonderful game of rugby,” said the former world player of the year.
"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 10 minutes of the second Test. I look forward to returning with zest in due course."
Fitzgerald has yet to comment on the incident but the Lions camp has not hidden its disgust at Burger's actions and the reaction of Springboks coach Pieter de Villiers who claimed it was all part of the game.
The South African Rugby Union and de Villiers subesquently apologised for his remarks.
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