Burger and Botha cited for clashes during second Lions Test
Burger could miss at least 12 weeks if found guilty
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The British and Irish Lions have lost the Test series against South Africa as a last minute penalty gave the world champions a 28-25 win. |  |
Sunday, 28, Jun 2009 11:21
South African's Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha have both been cited for incidents of foul play during the Springboks' victory over the British Lions on Saturday.
Burger was cited for gouging the eyes of Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald in the opening minute of the match.
Although the linesman saw the incident and recommended "at least a yellow card" the flanker received only ten minutes in the sin bin.
Burger, who was making his 50th appearance for the Springboks, was cited by New Zealand's Stephen Hinds for breaching Law 10.4 (l) an act "contrary to good sportsmanship".
Eye gouging is looked upon very seriously by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and carries a suspension of at least 12 weeks if found guilty.
Despite the video evidence, South African coach Peter de Villiers did not think Burger had done anything wrong.
"I don't think it was a card at all," De Villiers said.
"There was a lot of needle and, if you dissect the whole game, you will see yellow cards that were missed."
Botha will also be in front of IRB judicial officer Alan Hudson, after he was cited for breaching Law 10.4 (g) for a dangerous charge on Lions prop Adam Jones which left the Welshman with a dislocated shoulder.
The injury will rule Jones out of the third and final Test next Saturday.
Fellow prop Gethin Jenkins will also miss the match in Johannesburg after he suffered a broken cheekbone.
The Lions are still waiting on injury news about Brian O'Driscoll (concussion), Jamie Roberts (wrist) and Tommy Bowe (elbow).