Eye gouge allegations mar Ireland vs Scotland clash in Dublin
Fans on social media were outraged today after allegations of an eye gouge in the Autumn Nations Cup clash between Ireland and Scotland.
The sides battled it out in Dublin in a hard fought clash at the Aviva Stadium in which Ireland won by 31-16.
One incident that somewhat marred the occasion was allegations of an eye gouge towards the end of the match that sparked outrage amongst Scottish fans and players alike.
Ireland edged the visitors in the first half that was dominated by the boot of Johnny Sexton and Stuart Hogg.
Keith Earls became Ireland’s second highest try scorer of all time after pouncing on this opportunistic kick from the Ireland skipper. Watch the try in the video below.
ᴏᴘᴘᴏʀᴛᴜɴɪꜱᴛ@KEITHEARLS87 pounces on a loose ball for @irishrugby‘s first try
Watch the second half LIVE on #PrimeVideo pic.twitter.com/HwWYo1xDKI
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 5, 2020
After the break Ireland pressed home their advantage with Earls getting on the scoresheet yet again. This time getting on the end of a Peter O’Mahoney pass to race down the touchline and to score in the corner.
Watch Earls second try of the day in the video linked here.
Earls at the double ☘️☘️
Watch the conclusion of #IREvSCO LIVE on #PrimeVideo now pic.twitter.com/cAp26c2RhV
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 5, 2020
Ireland looked to be in complete control of the contest as they continued to close their grip on the Scots but an opportunistic piece of vision from winger, Duhan van der Merwe, was enough to get the visitors back into the game.
Look at this for a finish from the Edinburgh winger!
ʀᴀᴡ ᴘᴀᴄᴇ @duhanvdmerwe shows his wheels to slide in for @scotlandteam #IREvSCO is live on #PrimeVideo NOW pic.twitter.com/CZOybY7NJY
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 5, 2020
As the Scots looked to get back into the game there was a hugely controversial moment as Fraser Brown recoiled from a rolling maul accusing an Irish player of an eye gouge.
The referee immediately stopped play and referred it to the TMO. What did you make of this incident? Watch the eye gouge allegation below.
#ShoulderToShoulder #TeamofUs #AutumnNationsCup #IREvSCO
63mins played
Ireland 25 – 16 ScotlandEye Gouge accusation 😮 pic.twitter.com/pAKqDrp4tc
— Jill St John (@HarringJill) December 5, 2020
The TMO ruled that there was no clear evidence that there was any foul play – stating that it looked like a hand coming through the ball and into the face of Fraser Brown.
- Shocking scenes in PRO 14 as Scotland international appears to have his eye gouged
- The most controversial match of all time
This didn’t stop fans on social media from venting their frustration – clearly unhappy with the decision. Others felt Brown was wrong to make such a serious allegation after viewing the evidence on show.
It’s before that.. think the eye gouge is unseen on cameras… dirty bastard quin roux #IREvSCO
— Jack Martin (@JackMartin2100) December 5, 2020
I’m sure it’s possible that Brown felt contact around his eye in the maul but there’s nothing on camera even close to it.
Accusing someone of a gouge – intent to blind – is a serious accusation to make mid-game. #IREvSCO
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) December 5, 2020
In fairness, by the time we can see Brown sticking his head back out from the maul, he’s calling for it. It’s entirely possible it’s happened in the maul but camera can’t see it, so can’t do anything.
— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) December 5, 2020
Really, really bad form to accuse someone of an eye gouge when there was no contact anywhere near the eyes. Needs to brush up on his basic biology. Eyes are nowhere near the jaw. #IREvSCO
— Éadaoin T (@Eadaoin_T) December 5, 2020
‘Nothing clear’ says the referee about an alleged eye gouge that didn’t actually happen.
I assume he actually means ‘Nothing happened’.#IREvSCO
— Killian Byrne (@killianbyrne) December 5, 2020
