Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: Julien Dupuy attacks the eyes of Stephen Ferris

Monday, December 14, 2009

Julien Dupuy attacks the eyes of Stephen Ferris

As you might have seen in the highlights from the weekend, Stade Francais scrumhalf Julien Dupuy did his best to get himself in hot water by sticking his fingers where they don’t belong – in the eyes of Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris.

While the highlights clip didn’t show the incident too clearly, we’ve got a better piece of footage for you here today, which includes it slowed down, as well as words from Ferris following the match.

Dupuy, who was yellow carded earlier for an off the ball shoulder charge, raked his fingers over the face and eyes of Ferris not once, but twice.

The British & Irish Lions player did well not to react, but a fight broke out at the same time, with two other players being yellow carded.

One of those players, Stade Francais prop David Attoub, is also the focus of attention this morning as a photograph of him shoving his finger into Ferris’ eye is also being reviewed, apparently. You can view that here.

The two will more than likely be fingered by the citing commissioner some time today. Dupuy will be anyway, as it might be difficult to suspend a player based on a photograph like that.

"I was furious," said Ferris, who had his headgear ripped off during the incident.

"When I was on the ground I felt numerous fingers in my eye. There was argy-bargy throughout the game, and I don't mind that, rugby is a physical game.

"I would hate to get anyone cited and if someone hit me a dig in the jaw I would take it and get on with the game, but not when someone goes for your eyes. It's disappointing because I thought it was being cut out of the game, but it still seems to be in the French game and it has to be cut out.

"I will just let the citing commissioner sort it out. There was no apology afterwards. All Dupuy said to me on the pitch was 'I did not do anything, nothing happened' and I said ‘we’ll soon see’ and just walked off."

If convicted, Dupuy will face a lengthy ban that will be at least as severe as what Shane Jennings recently got handed, 12 weeks, for an incident that didn’t look as bad as this one. We’ll keep you updated as we hear more.

UPDATE: Dupuy has been handed 6 months for his actions. Attoub's case is postponed until further evidence is available.

Time: 03:13

Give him an epic ban. The message will get through eventually.

By Gavin, at December 14, 2009 12:26 pm
Scumbag, the prop was worse again

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 12:27 pm
nice, I dont like Ferris.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 12:28 pm
scumbags, disgusting to view

By Kenny, at December 14, 2009 12:31 pm
Anonymous, that's a pity, because he thinks you are great...

Idiot.

By Gavin, at December 14, 2009 12:31 pm
Nice? What kind of asshole are you? You dont like ferris cause he's one of the best 6s in the world? Dupuy needs a lengthy ban for that to do it once is bad enough but twice? Ferris showed a lot of discipline not to smack him

By WhyIsTheAnonymousAboveAnIdiot, at December 14, 2009 12:33 pm
Cowardley bastard, absolute little scumbag, he'll get a serious smack for that.

By French coward, at December 14, 2009 12:36 pm
Give him a proper ban and set an example.

Althougth to be fair to him after the ban they gave burger he probably thought it was part of the rules and perfectly legal.

By Andy, at December 14, 2009 12:38 pm
Now will dupuy be as mocked as schalk burger was (which was no eye gouge at all) or does that only apply to those "evil" springboks?....

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 12:38 pm
They need to start handing out bigger bans for gouging, Not a 6weeks slap on the wrist that burger got. Think they should start looking into 6months up! If your pathetic enough to do something like that you should be made to sit out of rugby for a while. Maybe even for good

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 12:42 pm
They need to start handing out bigger bans for gouging, Not a 6weeks slap on the wrist that burger got. Think they should start looking into 6months up! If your pathetic enough to do something like that you should be made to sit out of rugby for a while. Maybe even for good

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 12:42 pm
That's fucking disgraceful.
Gouging is the lowest act. Imagine attacking someone's eyes with your fingers in a game. So cowardly.
Ban the both of them for 3 months.

By Jon, at December 14, 2009 12:45 pm
absolutley disgusting. i can never remeber dupuy doing something like that at leicester so is it a problem thriving in the french rugby culture?
he should be handed a huge ban but i think the best punishment would be to leave him and fferris alone in a room for 5 minutes, i dotn think he would do it again after that

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 12:45 pm
I wouldn't be surprised if Dupuy gets a way with it,
Parisse and Burger got slpas on the wrist because they are high profile internationals and have the weight of their respective unions.
Why is it that fringe international players like Jennings, Tincu and Neil best always get made an example of.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 12:46 pm
This is really bad. I am French and i really think that a lenghty ban is the only way to stop that kind of cowardly and extremely dangerous act. If a player is to snap I'd rather he sent a punch rather than eye-gouge.. knowing that Jennings got 12 weeks, and even though Schalk Burger's ban was epicly small I think Dupuy should get between 12 (minimum) and 20 weeks. Any punishment in this range would be normal.

PS : As a french supporter it sucks for the french national team...

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 12:48 pm
Please use names when commenting. Either sign in, or just click Name/URL. Thanks.

By GMC, at December 14, 2009 12:50 pm
That was as bad and as stupid as Schalk 'Fingers' Burger. Burger escaped justice with his short ban, I hope Dupuy is punished properly.

By Jack, at December 14, 2009 12:59 pm
Anyway Ferris started it by holding Dupuy for no reason.
Ferris and some Ulster players spent their time offside and cheating on rucks, Pearson never took responsibility during this game to penalised Ulster. Therefore Stade Francais got frustrated and Dupuy eye goughed Ferris.
Dupuy will get a lenghty ban and thats fair but French club should pull out of the H cup, and let british and Irish have fun together
as some referrings during the previous heineken games have been appalling.
Anglo saxons players are cheting pussies, except when they play in France, where they praise the passion in our country.
When you cheat at rugby expect to be punish, first by the ref or by the opposing team, in this case Dupuy.

In the end if Pearson had been partial and sanctionned Ultser infrigements (so as Stade) from the begginning it would have never happenned.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 1:00 pm
How do you explain alloub's anon? Both were bad both need hefty bans, when did "holding" somebody mean a ok i'll shove my fingers in your eyes? bit of difference between infringing at the ruck and mindless thuggery

By Fluff, at December 14, 2009 1:06 pm
This is crazy. It's unbelievable to see him do that. Like, what was going through his mind at the time?? On the other hand, I dont think this is an EYE_GOUGE, but theres definitely contact with the eye area, which deserves to be punished. That second go looked like a proper scratch too. Dirty, and disappointing from a player who many fans respected and liked.

@Jack: ...and Parisse.. and Quinlan.. and Jennings. What exactly is the so called 'Justice' that you would have liked to have seen with Burger?

You'd probably want him to be out for a year at least, but if the same were done to other players who 'made contact with the eye area', you'd probably moan about them being harshly dealt with.

By FrankyH, at December 14, 2009 1:07 pm
he should be banned for about 16 playing weeks

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 1:11 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Bernardo Janson, at December 14, 2009 1:13 pm
I like Dupuy, been following him ever since he played for BO.

Now it's not because you see illegal things in your opinion that you should or will take justice in your own "hands"...

Ban the man, make it an example... but don't start drawing conclusions : "french have always been that way"... the nation has had 10-15 years of clean attempted rugby, unlike the 80's where the french were known for being dirty and undisciplined.
Now don't make it too obvious as the IRB has never been on our side regarding suspensions (too many examples to cite... Tincu last year being the best one : catches a punch in the face anf gets banned 4 months vs. ... an english team)

By jay, at December 14, 2009 1:14 pm
Duput need an exemplary ban. He did twice in the most cowardly way possible. he looked the ref was not regarding him before doing the second time. he also got sin-binned for violent conduct. Ban should be from 4 months...Roncero also loose his nervous wich is quite dissapointing from a captain that should make the example. Please rugby is based on respect and honour, eye-gouging cant have a place on it. If gougers (whatever team or union they play for) are banned we all win

By Jose, at December 14, 2009 1:15 pm
hehe exactly my point to the comment just above : we french zis ze french zat...grow up ^^
On another note I found the british broadcast to be very one-sided. In France Roncero throwing a punch ? We'll show it while commentators wil be : "erf, that doesn't look good for him"
O'Connel throwing a fist ? : we'll show you the good run the inside center had 5 min. ago ...

By jay, at December 14, 2009 1:17 pm
Isn't Dupuy the guy that eye gouged Tony Woodcock? What came of that?

What's up with the idiots in french rugby, there seems to be a surprising amount of them.

By olwakachangchang, at December 14, 2009 1:18 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By birdflou, at December 14, 2009 1:20 pm
Disgusting play.

Shane Jennings was banned for 3 months for “making contact with the eye area” of Nick Kennedy which was deemed to be at the lower end on the scale of seriousness by the disciplinary panel. Kennedy himself said he exaggerated his reaction and yet Jennings had his appeal for the ban to be reduced overturned.

Therefore with this precedent set, Dupuy should get a 3 month ban at the very least.

Why do players think they’ll get away with this nowadays when there are so many cameras at games?

By Bamberio, at December 14, 2009 1:28 pm
I didn't realise that the French education system was so bad. A lot of French rugby fans refer to the British and Irish teams as 'Anglo Saxons'. French people, please realise that the English are the Anglo Saxons (the clue is here: 'Angle' = 'Anglish' = 'English'). The Irish, Scots and Welsh are to different degrees Celtic people. They never were and never will be 'Anglo-Saxons'. Please read a book. Oh, and stop complaining about refereeing conspiracies, it makes you look paranoid.

By Gavin, at December 14, 2009 1:29 pm
he should get 1 year ban, minimum.as gavin said above, the message isnt getting through.

its the worst offence ina way as its premeditated and can blind. spear tackles similar, and can paralise.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 1:33 pm
Jay,

If you can show me video of O'Connell throwing a punch because he loses his discipline, I will agree with you. But you will not find this video - O'Connell and other good players are about CONTROLLED aggression. He knows if he punches somebody his team will be punished. For example - the time that Jamie Cudmore attacked him and he did not hit back until everybody could see that Cudmore was attacking him first. That is intelligent. Punching a guy first (like Cudmore) is dumb. There is a perception outside France that French rugby is very dirty, although the style and skills of French players is also admired.

Also you complain about the British broadcast - but realise there will always be differences in style. The Irish broadcasters are also different to the French and British.

By Jack, at December 14, 2009 1:35 pm
What a tool, this just looks like sour grapes from Stade. We're not winning so we'll take it down a level. To be so blatant deserves a decent ban.

'Now will dupuy be as mocked as schalk burger was (which was no eye gouge at all) or does that only apply to those "evil" springboks?...'

waawaawaaa.. he got caught and he got a fairly short ban, get over it.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 1:42 pm
Whilst I realise that Rugby is a physical game and punches can be thrown I am more and more disturbed by reckless gouging (no matter which nationality the player).

In what sport on earth is this behaviour remotely acceptable. Poorly timed challenges can happen but gouging requires real deliberation and is career threatening. The IRB needs to make a blanket ruling for the future that this type of behaviour will result in a 12 month or permanent ban period. As for Dupuy 12 weeks is what he should get as per current regulations (or have I got this wrong).

By NiWiTa, at December 14, 2009 1:48 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 2:05 pm
There's no way the stade francais prop is eye gouging. He just loses his bind on the SF player to the left. His finger ending up in ferris's is just a coincidence. If I would want to eye gouge someone on a rugby field, i would not bother to wrap my finger in an another player's jersey

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 2:06 pm
Im shocked, confused and slightly scared, this is the worst i have ever seen, slap on the 20 week ban please irb that guy is a massive cock

By Eddingtonsons, at December 14, 2009 2:18 pm
disgusting, hoping for lengthy bans

By Cheis, at December 14, 2009 2:18 pm
Anonymous above me -

I think that the picture clearly shows the prop was also gouging. If you played rugby, you would know that you do no stick out a finger like that on a rugby pitch without a very good reason, especially in a ruck, because fingers will break quite easily when something hits them. If he is not gouging, can you offer an explanation as to why one finger is sticking out of his fist and is in Ferris's eye?

I think it is pretty clear that he was, but that is just my opinion.

By Jack, at December 14, 2009 2:20 pm
If I want to be positive about it - the second action could be described as " i don´t want to punch him". But the first one looks strange.

By O., at December 14, 2009 2:23 pm
@Jack :
My example wasn't so much for O'Connel who is a talented lock, no doubt about it... I should have said Martin Johnson back in the days :P
The incident with Cudmore (not french btw and not a Xman :P...) was totally well handled by the ref., as Jami does that very often even in the TOP14 and yet he showed a really agressive game yesterday without the stupidity he usually brings along.
Anyhow, Broadcast is handled differently, fine. My point being that the french way of showing things seems to be a bit more objective.
We show everything we've seen rather than showing what's good for us or bad for them... hence the example with big ol Roncero.

Broadcast can be different and yet imo showing the reality of the game objectively is the keypoint, rather than filtering through the rushes to make someone look good ...or not.

By jay, at December 14, 2009 2:36 pm
I think Dupuy and the prop should get at least a twelve month ban. This will ensure that eye gouging is seen as a serious offence on the pitch. It's an absolute disgrace for this kind of behaviour to continue.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 2:44 pm
@ Jay -

A good point, well made. I agree with you.

By Jack, at December 14, 2009 2:53 pm
"The two will more than likely be fingered by the citing commissioner some time today"

Oh, come on, RD, this is a family website, lol

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 3:17 pm
Rugby is a contact sport.

If you dont like the contact maybe you should go down to your local dance shop and buy a tutu

By Peter de Villers, at December 14, 2009 3:18 pm
12 months ban???!!!
Why not for life!!!

By kevdetoulouse, at December 14, 2009 3:35 pm
"Anglo saxons players are cheting pussies"

I don't think I need to call this out, as it seems Gavin already has. Just realise that not all Anglophones are, indeed, Anglo-Saxon (it's almost as to say all "French" are, in fact, "Parisians").

As for the video...not so sure I see gouging actually take place, but - ohhhh, wait a minute - nevermind. He goes in with a vulcan-death-pinch going on with his hand - something out of the Three Stooges! I first thought it was Dupuy just trying to cop a feel of Ferris' face...I didn't really see the fingers outstretched like that.

I've gotta say, it looks bad for Dupuy.

Don't come with the, "Ferris was holding Dupuy for no reason" excuse - that happens at EVERY ruck. If you're standing behind the ruck, expect some forward to grab your jersey - most of the time, the defender will be man enough to swing an arm out and hit the rucking player's arm until he lets go - refs are (usually) fine with that - even as a wing, I know that. It takes a little wormy scrummie to get his panties twisted and go for the eyes.

By Olivar, at December 14, 2009 3:36 pm
same old story,
the british or irish do the fouls in the rucks and the stupid french players crack as they can't keep their nerves...

Dupuy will surely take an huge and deserved ban for this eye-gouge and the flankers will continue to cheat in the rucks without any penalties...

French are stupid, gay (beacause of their pink shirts) dirty, they smell bad, they haven't any education (Gavin)...

same old stories do the same old punishments

By FLOOZ, at December 14, 2009 3:43 pm
I abhore this sort of thing. I have had it happen to me twice in the last month and turning up to work this morning with my face and eyes scratched to f*ck is not a great advert for the game. I play National 2 in England and have noticed a big increase in the level of treatment I have been recieving at the bottom of rucks and I for one hope it stops pretty soon. It's cowardly and vicious and has no place in this game.

By Boshking, at December 14, 2009 3:52 pm
Unbelievable. It wasn't even grabbing during a tackle which might be argued as an accident. That was a downright attack. He needs to be banned properly and even fined. Absolutely shocking

By Unknown, at December 14, 2009 4:10 pm
The two will more than likely be fingered by the citing commissioner some time today.

will more than likely be fingered by the citing comissioner sometime

fingered by the citing comissioner

lol

By Luke, at December 14, 2009 4:11 pm
Flooz,

I'm sorry if some French posters here make French people look stupid by calling Irish people 'Anglo Saxons' but you should argue with them, not with me!

By Gavin, at December 14, 2009 4:27 pm
Is Ferris British, or does he just live and play there?

By PokePoke, at December 14, 2009 4:38 pm
PokePoke,

Ferris is Irish. Whether he also considers himself British, I've no idea but he probably does.

By Jack, at December 14, 2009 4:49 pm
As usual on this site its turning into a racist debate...

I'm french and i really hope Dupuy will get a long ban, but please don't generalise and start stereotyping the french. If you do you're a moron.

By rodofle, at December 14, 2009 4:55 pm
Gavin, please keep your historic lessons for you, we don't care here. Anglo-saxon is maybe a bad general term but it's easy to use and it's all.
When you will be able to make the same lesson with the different origins of french people, maybe we can talk about that together.
And french people are maybe arrogant and paranoid, but they are as educated than anglo-saxons, and don't have history of british islands colonization in their school programs, sorry.

By clem, at December 14, 2009 5:03 pm
Jack, I was led to believe that the Irish dislike the British and don't want anything to do with Northern Ireland, but then when it comes to rugby, they claim Ferris as their own? Excuse my ignorance..

By PokePoke, at December 14, 2009 5:05 pm
Rodofle, have you ever tried debating/discussing things on youtube? It's the internet - people say what they want when sitting behind the comfort of their computer screens. The inner-a**hole comes out to play unfortunately.

Dupuy did what he did because he's an idiot, not because he's French.

English, Irish, South African, and Italian players have all done the same thing in recent times. Don't have a go at the French for this.

By Shaft, at December 14, 2009 5:13 pm
pokepoke, the Irish rugby team sets an example by playing as a whole island instead of dividing into 2 (unlike the football team for example), hence the lack of the tricolour flag at World Cup's etc and the 2 anthems before the matches. Dont just assume everyone "hates the Brisith" and that we claim good players to be our own, I dont know if he considers himself Irish and British, and to be honest it doesnt really matter..

By 6Buzz6, at December 14, 2009 5:17 pm
Clem,

You obviously need a history lesson because you are making a mistake as big as saying that German people and French people are the same. It is insulting to both people, not because one is better than the other, but because they are just different.

If other people can know that Catalans, Basques, Bretons etc. exist in France, then surely you can learn that Welsh is not the same as English?

So, to repeat, calling anybody except the English 'Anlgo Saxon' is wrong. Do you also call the Autralians 'Anglo Saxon'? And the New Zealanders? Or does your history book tell a little more about them? This sort of stuff is common knowledge in most first-world counries.

By Gavin, at December 14, 2009 5:24 pm
Wouldn't it be nice if the powers that be were as harsh on disgraceful cowardly eye gouging as they are on players caught doing a line of coke at a bar out on a social.

But they won't be.

By JPM, at December 14, 2009 5:28 pm
PokePoke - speaking as an Irish person - 'the Irish' do not dislike 'the British'. Firstly, you cannot reduce millions of people to one opinion.

Secondly, Irish people generally have a great relationship with English, Scottish, and Welsh people. There is a strong sporting rivalry with England (not Britain) for historic reasons. The history of Ireland is quite complicated, but you can read all about it for free on Wikipedia if you are interested.

In some sports, there is a team for Northern Ireland and for the Republic of Ireland - for example, soccer. In other sports, there is one team for all of Ireland, such as in rugby. This is again for historic reasons.

By Jack, at December 14, 2009 5:29 pm
Flooz -

Please teach Clem that Celts and Anglo-Saxons are not the same!

Rodofle - you are correct, stereotyping is stupid. Players from lots of countries have been banned recently for gouging. But it is ironic that guys like Clem from France wants to stereotype everyone from Scotlans, Wales and Ireland as anglo-saxons.

JPM - good point about the drugs. A young T14 French player may be in serious trouble now as he was caught using cannabis. How would cannabis help his rugby? He should not be seriously punished I think.

By Mike, at December 14, 2009 5:36 pm
Its a hard one in all honesty. Dupuy was stupid and reckless, im not sure he was trying to gouge though.

I pulled at a guys nose on satursday to wind him up and he claimed i tried to gouge him. people have always put hands in faces to wind people up. Any fingers on the face whether meant or not is now always claimed as "gouging'. Its now a universal witch hunt.

By Chucky, at December 14, 2009 5:40 pm
Why, why the eyes... be a man and punch him, dupuy will get a very long ban.. thats for sure

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 5:49 pm
Chucky,

As a player, the answer is obvious - don't stick your hand in someone's face. If you are going to break the rules to 'wind someone up', don't be outraged if you get done for a more serious crime than you were attempting - the fact is you shouldn't be breaking the rules at all. Especially if you are a pro and there are 6 cameras watching you!

By Jim, at December 14, 2009 5:50 pm
Chucky, there's a difference between tweeking someones nose and being caught eye gouging by sky sports cameras for the whole world to see.

By Andy, at December 14, 2009 5:57 pm
cowardly little shit,see the way he looked up to see where the referee was before going in a second time?minimum 6 month ban deserved

By Ireland for WC 2011, at December 14, 2009 5:59 pm
anon is making a fair point in pointing out that frustration arises exspecially when a ref cant handle a game, i didnt view this game so i cant make statements on this game

eyegougin cant be tolerated!

By sebastian, at December 14, 2009 6:01 pm
I agree with Chucky to an extent - ANYTHING near the eyes now is labelled as eye-gouging, even when it might not be unfortunately.

Jim is also correct though - play with fire, and you're going to get burnt. The more I think about it, it's a despicable act, and I'd really love to hear Dupuys version of why he did it.

When I was younger I never heard about eye-gouging. Perhaps it was pre-RD days, and before the internet and tv coverage was so good. Or perhaps it just didn't happen, but whatever the case, it's a a disgusting message that is being sent to youngsters.

By FrankyH, at December 14, 2009 6:06 pm
How is he a coward? How is eyegouging more coward than punching? When you eyegouge someone he can defend himself and throw you a big punch so...

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 6:12 pm
He is a coward because he attacked a player who was trapped and could not defend himself. Is that simple enough to understand?

By Mike, at December 14, 2009 6:13 pm
@Gavin and Flooz: come on guys, this kind of argument has nothing to do in there. So what? All french people can't make the difference between Anglo-saxon and Scottish/Irish, and then? You want worse? Most of us can't differenciate United Kingdom from Great Britain and from British Isles. Does this make us as stupid that you have to unleash your "frenchophobia"?

Same thing for Ferris' reaction about the "French game". It is not the French game, it is stupid players in the French championship (as it is in every championship in the world).

If I can say two words about rugby: this kind of thing is a complete disgrace. Dupuy should be banned for a very long time.

By Threma, at December 14, 2009 6:20 pm
Mike and Gavin, notice that I have not use the term anglo-saxon to designate ulster players, but just one anonymous has done that and immediately three or four person say that french are non-educated. It's a little bit exasperating.
I misspoke myself : I would say that people who use that term are mistaking, but this is more inattention and speed-speaking that a real lack of education. I think the majority of french rugby fans know well the difference between celts and anglo-saxons.
Nevertheless you have to admit that an inattention mistake is easily done with the differences between U. Kingdom, Wales, Eire, England, Scotland, Great britain, Northern Ireland... It's obvious for you but unfortunately not for everyone.
Sorry if I hurt you.

By clem, at December 14, 2009 6:26 pm
Clem,

I understand your point. Thanks for understanding mine :)

By Gavin, at December 14, 2009 6:28 pm
"I didn't do anything", no somehow someone manipulated your arm/hand/fingers into grabbing Ferris' face

By Unknown, at December 14, 2009 6:35 pm
Olwakachangchang and the anon who think there is a problem with french rugby culture, just remember Harlequin's cheat, prostitutes affair during the 2008 tour, players using cocaine, Neil Best and Shane Jennings eye-gouging. Exactly the same sort of things than Bastareaud affair, Tincu or Dupuy now.

By Jean, at December 14, 2009 6:44 pm
Anonymous - "the countries that are useless in war"? France conquered most of Europe in the 1800s. South Africa have lost how many wars? And how many have Argentina lost? I can think of one each. Argentina lost a war to a fading world power in Britain. A bunch of farmers in South Africa lost an independece war against Britain.

Did you ever notice how the guys making the most ignorant comments on message boards come from countries with a history of enslaving other peoples, until they get kicked out by every one of them?

By Mike, at December 14, 2009 6:54 pm
It's obvious that France is the most warlike country. The last example is the Irak war where they refuse to go.
I think the people who insult others without even giving a name is a beautiful example of peace.

By 3/4 centre, at December 14, 2009 6:54 pm
3/4 Centre -

I agree. There are so many fools on the internet. What the hell has war to do with gouging? And anyway, didn't Dylan Hartley of England get a 6 month ban for gouging?

Anyway, both Atoub and Dupuy have now been cited. I hope they get long punishments!

By Gavin, at December 14, 2009 7:04 pm
Dupuy is such an idiot, really has let himself and Stade down with this.

If found guilty he deserves a lenghty ban - at least 12 weeks

By goodNumber10, at December 14, 2009 7:12 pm
Booooo, RD with the words...

'The two will more than likely be FINGERED by the citing commissioner some time today'

....awful awful awful pun!

....who will cite the citing commissioner?!?

By :), at December 14, 2009 7:21 pm
FrankyH

'The more I think about it, it's a despicable act, and I'd really love to hear Dupuys version of why he did it.'

It wasnt really dupuy, it was a crab person in disguise...

By :), at December 14, 2009 7:25 pm
Recently professional rugby has been such a let-down for me personally. Not just this incident, but quite a few others.

Hat goes off to Ferris for focusing on the rugby instead of revenge.

By Mike, at December 14, 2009 7:26 pm
English, Irish, South African, and Italian players have all done the same thing in recent times. Don't have a go at the French for this.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 7:52 pm
Ce geste est trés decevant de la part d'un joueur comme Dupuy. J'espère que la sanction ne sera pas trop lourde.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 7:55 pm
As is always the case with citings, it is impossible to guess what sort of a ban this will lead to. From this vid, I'd say that doesn't look as bad as what Schalk Burger did - and he got 6 weeks (maybe 8?); I think most people felt this was several week short of where it should have been.

As fans, however, the best we can do is urge the suits to get serious about punishing gouging. It is right at the top end of foul play, it deserves the lengthiest bans, and it would be nice to see some consistency to emerge somewhere.

By Edbok, at December 14, 2009 7:57 pm
Sans parler de cette fourchette, vous n'avez pas en Grande-Bretagne et en Irlande, la même culture de la bagarre générale que nous. Vous êtes des saintes-nitouches...

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 7:58 pm
Dear rugby supporters,

stop being crying babys and accept the fact this stuff goes on. if he'd have gotten away with it you would all be calling him a hero and thats sick.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 8:27 pm
"Now will dupuy be as mocked as schalk burger was (which was no eye gouge at all) or does that only apply to those "evil" springboks?...."

Don't worry, Dupuy will probably take a much longer ban that "evil" springboks...

By Dalma, at December 14, 2009 8:30 pm
Un.F**king.Believable.

I wouldn't be surprised if they were both made an example of - there's not hiding that.

I've read some comments elsewhere about not being able to put the photo of the Attoub gouge into context. I agree to an extent but come on - his finger is knuckle deep, there's no excusing that.

4 months Attoub

6 months Dupuy

By RichW, at December 14, 2009 8:37 pm
I'm surprised there's no idiots coming out saying that this is why 'the game is getting soft', and how eye-gouging is 'part of the game'.

By John, at December 14, 2009 8:51 pm
Just out of interest, I've noticed that Ferris never sings Amhrán na bhFiann, the national anthem of the Rep. of Ireland. But he sings Ireland's Call.

By jej, at December 14, 2009 8:52 pm
Mike,

After blasting other posts on not knowing there history dont be so stupid to try comment on South Africas' you obviously dont understand any part of it. Domkop

By Shark Attack, at December 14, 2009 9:00 pm
Isn't Attoub a gentleman trying to help Ferris get rid of something he's got in the eye? That's why he uses the shirt. 4 months for being helpful...

By Orbital, at December 14, 2009 9:01 pm
Problem is: he's got a whole finger in the eye.

By Orbital, at December 14, 2009 9:01 pm
Hi Jej,

It is usual that the Ulster players don't sing Amhrann na bhFiann if they don't want to - nobody in Ireland has any problems about that. Although if you actually hear the Ireland players singing, it would probably be better if none of them sang any of the songs...

By Gavin, at December 14, 2009 9:02 pm
The man goes bron BO to tigers were he improves and gains expeerince as not only a SH bit a brillainat goal kicker. Then he moves back to france and next thing we see, hes having tantrums and eye gouging. He was NEVER like that at leicester

By Jonno, at December 14, 2009 9:04 pm
Shark Attack -

an anonymous poster said that sneaky dirty teams like South Africa (his words) were always from countries that are uselsess in wars. I was pointing out that the only war I know that 'South Africa' lost was the Boer war against the British, so they could hardly be considered 'useless' in wars.

If I knew I would be insulted by a South African for defending South Africa, I probably wouldn't have bothered.

By Mike, at December 14, 2009 9:07 pm
Didnt See the other comment from some kid mate so I apologize if I was out of context but for the record the Boer Wars were rebellions by a surpressed people started by the english south african government against oom kruger of the transvaal republic. Also the Africaans peolple did not lose as in the events after the Boers Wars South Africa was declared a Republic under the national party similarlly if im not mistaken to how Ireland gained their independence?

Anyway dont mean to sound so aggressive I took your comment out of context my apologies

By Shark Attack, at December 14, 2009 9:24 pm
Shark,

No problem - I hope the post I was answering has been removed. Thanks for the background too.

By Mike, at December 14, 2009 9:31 pm
This has gotta stop. Hop Ferris gets another shot at him, he deserves a good smashing for that, although hopefully in all fairness he'll get a lengthy ban, and we'll have to wait till the 6 nations or summit!! One of these someone's gonna cuase serious damage to an opponents eye, just hope we sort this out before such a thing should happen. Ban him for at least 6 months, that'll get the message across to Burger et al (Soz couldn't resist, never liked what he did against Lions lol).
Seriously, awful, and VERY DANGEROUS behaviour; why do pros think its acceptable?!!!!

By Alexander, at December 14, 2009 9:33 pm
See that's chat happens when burger gets 8 ridiculous weeks for that, they thinks it's no that bad

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 10:18 pm
How long a ban will it take to stop gouging happening? Along with biting an opponent it is the lowest thing possible. Ferris' interview after the game was very collected for a guy who had just been gouged. He was very good incidentally in the game.

Shouldn't 3 months be the lower end of the scale then? Going up to 6 months possibly? I don't buy the "in the heat of the moment" argument, most of the time it is a calculate tactic and here he had the composure to go back for a second gouge. Dupuy's career has been going places the last two years but they need to show an example of ALL the players who gouge. There has clearly been an inconsistency in the bans handed out.

A player who shed some light on this was John Danielli, I don't know if anyone remembers him in NZ, I think he played most of his club rugby in France. In 2007 he released a book called Confessions of a Rugby Mercenary in which he explained that in his career up until moving to France he had barely ever had to deal with gouging but in France (where he played with RCF Paris, Perpignan and Montpellier), it was such a regular occurence that he even started doing it himself. He talks about how as a second row in France, he was expected to dominate the opposition in any way possible, this included all sorts of foul play. Just this weekend Mela of Brive should have been sent off for a punch (he's already had two bans in the last two years and France still hasn't shaken off it's reputation for a good "bagarre" pretty often.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inside-French-Rugby-Confessions-Mercenary/dp/0958275017/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260824965&sr=1-2

By John F, at December 14, 2009 10:21 pm
LOL at the 6th guy to comment. One of the best number 6's in the world..... Good one

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 10:30 pm
Then that's the guy's opinion. Big deal.

By John F, at December 14, 2009 10:33 pm
Careless by Dupuy but I seriously doubt he was trying to gouge an eyeball out of Ferris' head.

Pretty stupid of Dupuy though, putting your fingers anywhere near another players eyes is asking for trouble.

By Mehow, at December 14, 2009 10:36 pm
Mehow - Careless?? You think it was an accident? Ok, the first time was a total accident - "oh my, my hand has gone into your face and is scraping your eyes!!". Then the guy you scrape looks around for help from the referee - but there ref is not there. So you grab his head, pull his head back to expose the face more, and 'carelessly' stick your fingers in the guy's eyes again. "Oh my goodness - I am so clumsy!".

Careless? There was NOTHING careless about it. He took GREAT care about what he did, even looking for where the referee was...

Oh, and Ferris IS one of the best number 6s in the world. He is the best in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Not my opinion, the opinion of the British Lions coaching team, who know a lot more than me about rugby.

By Jack, at December 14, 2009 10:45 pm
On Ferris - a couple of clips, they don't prove much except that he can carry. He's more about huge tackles and drives than tries though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xdOX5iNkC8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tB7VRYvmiA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tB7VRYvmiA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM1WBt9C01E

Some of the same stuff here, but check out the hand-off at 2:19 - who is that weakling he smashes out of his way? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM1WBt9C01E

By Mike, at December 14, 2009 11:02 pm
Nicely put Jack, I have to agree best 6 of the home nations, he's up there with dusatoir, elsom and Smith(South African)

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 11:07 pm
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

By R-Dump, at December 14, 2009 11:16 pm
Yeah, Ferris got dominated by Brussow when the BIL played the Cheetahs. (but I guess every flanker gets dominated by Brussow, so...)

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 11:16 pm
It's very funny to notice that there is no eye-gouging in the top14 (but struggles, it's true), i've only heard of this during international tests and Hcup... Maybe provocations come to an end.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 11:19 pm
Talking about wars, countries history, etc. Come on guys this is only about an asshole who deserves a serious ban, that's all! I'am french but I don't give a shit if it is Dupuy, Burger, etc.

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 11:30 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYEctO4N33k Ferris Hand off on elsom impressive!

By Anonymous, at December 14, 2009 11:38 pm
Mike, you need to work on your copy & pasting mate. You've pasted 5 links and the last ones are the same. Only 3 clips there by mistake. I struggled to find that hand off at 2:19 on a vid that's only 1:08 long! :P

By FrankyH, at December 14, 2009 11:39 pm
Okay so I just saw the handoff on Elsom.. thanks Anonymous ^.

Good one :)

By FrankyH, at December 14, 2009 11:46 pm
yeah the french attacked james horwills eyes in 08 aswell it was dusytoir

they cheat

By Cameron Maxted, at December 14, 2009 11:57 pm
Haven't read on so I don't know if someone called this, but... Completely disagree with an early anon about the prop getting his finger caught in his team mate's jersey. This incident happened in the same ruck right after Dupuy and before the melee happened (notice Ferris' headgear isn't on).

In all the on feild fighting and shit that went on in the old days, gouging was unacceptable then and only a few ever did it in scrums when there was no chance of being caught. Disgraceful and needs to be punished heavily.

Dylan Hartley got 6 months, but that was because he'd already been cited before for gouging. I think thats the longest, but Dupuy going in for seconds doesn't help. Ferris' face afterwards is all the evidence needed. Think Roncero is lucky to escape without being cited for punching aswell, this kinda over shadows it.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at December 15, 2009 12:09 am
Sorry about my lame copying and pasting folks..It's very complicated you know :)

By Mike, at December 15, 2009 12:20 am
Since I've read on, I have to commend the South Park reference, all posts should have one.

Crab people, crab people,
Walks like crab,
talks like people.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at December 15, 2009 12:25 am
"Yeah, Ferris got dominated by Brussow when the BIL played the Cheetahs. (but I guess every flanker gets dominated by Brussow, so...)"

That would be the game where Ferris scored the winning try for the Lions? So he didn't dominate him that much really, did he? :)

Brussow is a top player though, I agree.

By Gavin, at December 15, 2009 12:28 am
Some background on Ferris: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/article5865566.ece

Seems like a likeable guy. Wouldn't want to be tackled by him though.

By Jack, at December 15, 2009 12:40 am
I'll try that again: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_union/

and add "article5865566.ece" at the end.

By Jack, at December 15, 2009 12:42 am
did anybody see when the winger kicked the ball away and injured himself bastaraud going over and checking if he was ok ;..good show of sportsmanship amid the carnage

By number7, at December 15, 2009 12:49 am
Almost seems premeditated - for ferris to be worked on _3_ times in the one play.

Without doubt, both deserve long bans, thou not sure on the technicalities of photo (only) evidence (if that is the only evidence on this one).

And Ferris is emerging as a real force in the backrow, worldwide. Make no mistake. He was excellent on the Lions tour, b4 injury.

Ireland have more strength in depth in the backrow than anywhere. For him to break into that team, over Munster and Leinster players, is v impressive. M and L have 3 of the last 4 H Cups, and both their backrows are excellent. (Thou 6 doesn't have quite the same competition levels as 7 or as 8 in irl)

By mise, at December 15, 2009 1:05 am
terrible, Ban him for life We don't want this shit in our great game.

By jamie, at December 15, 2009 1:58 am
What goes through a players head before they decided to play with someones eyes??

I was amazed at what Burger and the italian number 8 got away with recently. (more so with Burger, because that cheating prick went stright for the eyes).

And PDV's reaction, what a joke. I think it reflects badly on the country as well, if a player from my national team did that I would be disgusted.

Perhaps thats why the rest of the world really hate SA and France in rugby? Not because they are "so good and everyone is jealous" (PDV you puppet).

Maybe its becasue we all know that deep down (not so deep in some circumstances) that they will cheat and play dirty at any opportunity.

AB's for life, back at No.1 where we belong.

By Tui, at December 15, 2009 2:09 am
Gavin,no.

By Likar, at December 15, 2009 2:53 am
....^ some amusing comments up there!!! south park reference lol! nice one ':)'

hmmm, i've said before its such a surprise that players go in for this somewhat high profile foul play....

I mean, if i knew that there were cameras pointed at me from every angle i'd assume my foul play tactics would be reduced somewhat....maybe im wrong...

but dupuy, i mean, talk about obvious, at least burgers was a bit of a scrap on the ground, and it didnt last all that long....this is at the back of a ruck, eyes on scrum half...then he does something like that?!?

im just so surprised players bother...and to gouge...give someone a punch to the chops, but to go for their eyes?!?!...

Id actually hate it if i played a match and seriously injured someone (blinded them)

By No.7, at December 15, 2009 4:37 am
Ha ha oh Jonas....

Congrats on finally getting the Tri-nations back. 3rd time in 14 years? You guys really are amazing (i'm joking btw)

But seriously, you lost to Ireland and France (not to mention two club teams).

Your a joke.... and as for your typical racist little comment...

Why do you think you all end up moving to Australia and New Zealand?

You shouldn't throw stones if you live in a glass house brother.

AB's Number 1.

By Tui, at December 15, 2009 5:45 am
Brussow Brussow Brussow.... Please.

Wake me up when he gets involved in the play apart from sometimes turning over the ball at the break down.

Just another SA hack who you all hype up.

Just like Spies... No wonder you call him superman, he turns invisable every time he slips the SA jumper on.

By Brussow is a midget, at December 15, 2009 5:49 am
Well said Tui.

By Jon, at December 15, 2009 5:56 am
Brussow is a great flanker.
It's not his fault some South African fans are jerks.

By Jon, at December 15, 2009 5:57 am
Yes, I'm pretty sure this is the evil little rat that did the same to Tony Woodcock less than 1 month ago.

Now there is video evidence.

2 x eye gouging incidents in 1month. BAN HIM.

By Jamie, at December 15, 2009 7:31 am
The only people calling Spies Superman were the British & Irish media I hate to say it.

And yeah, Brussow is pretty good, but I'd rather have an inform Burger on my side.

But whatever - this isn't about SA. I am ashamed by some of our d*ckhead fans who comment on here sometimes. I suspect it's the same loser causing trouble every time actually.

Tui, NZ aren't squeaky clean themselves bud. Richard Loe anyone? He got 6 months for eye-gouging if I remember correctly. And then lets not forget that the Burger incident finally got the NH guys to stop talking about Tana Umaga & BOD. That'll come up again sometime though, I'm sure of it ;)

Anyway, I'm still shocked and appalled by how blatant and deliberate this was.. twice.

I almost feel like I want some footage to be produced that shows that he didn't actually make contact with the eyes. Then at least my faith in humanity will be restored.

By FrankyH, at December 15, 2009 8:37 am
Tui, I don't need to mention all the cups that the Boks have in their cupboard, do I? (Including the holy grail, the World Cup)

3-0

Springboks #1

Oh and name impostering is the lowest form of wit.

By Jonas, at December 15, 2009 8:58 am
Ha ha Sorry Jonas, was just having a laugh with a bita spare time!

In all seriousness though, Yep you do have the cup for Now and you have the Tri-nations for this year (both well deserved) so those are the cups I guess your speaking of.

But our record (apart from World Cups) is superior.

People like you make it worse for other SpringBok fans.... Being proud is not a crime, but being a tool about it is!

And check the irb website brother, there you will see the official ranking if you want to dispute it further.

And to FrankyH, I know that Tana stuff will come up again... We revisit it every end of year tour!! ;-)

By Tui, at December 15, 2009 9:50 am
I'd like to see a "Trevor Brennan" sanction for Dupuy...

Brennan was Toulouse's Irish 2nd row that slapped an insulting supporter before an HCup game. He was banned to life from rugby, he can't even be a coach. Recently he tried to appeal the decision to play for a 4th division club in France, but the IRB forbid him.
To me what Dupuy did there is way more serious (even though equally disrespectful to the spirit of the game) than what Trevor did. He could make Ferris blind, and for what ? To spend the 5 remaining minutes of the game without worrying about being Ferris' tacklebag ?

I would absolutely not be shocked if Dupuy got a life ban, this asshole just doesn't deserve to play our sport again ! But I doubt the commissioners will do that
I hope that at least his season is over and that he'll use the rest to think about what an idiot he is !

By Ben, at December 15, 2009 10:10 am
if there is people who understand french, here is the mea culpa of dupuy. too late for me

http://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/breves2009/20091215_094218_le-mea-culpa-de-dupuy.html

According to him, he regrets his action but he still thinks that he didn't really eye-gouge Ferris...

Whatever, erc have already done their choice. i bet on a 5 months ban just in order to make him miss 6nations. Lievremont will be very happy

By FLOOZ, at December 15, 2009 10:16 am
To Ben,

Dupuy's action is coward and nasty
but ur comments are not far from that...

If you are excited by the end of the career of some athletes, ur not very in "the spirit of rugby" as u say. U have some excellents websites with naked women to calm down ur excitation.

Dupuy lost his mind during few seconds and he should forget his career... I wonder how u react to the fact that some players who simulated blood injury or consumed ccoaine will come back on rugby pitch in few months...

He will take the ban that ERC think he deserves. end of the story. end of ur "excitation"

By FLOOZ, at December 15, 2009 10:24 am
Flooz, do you really think that faking an injury to make a substitution or taking drugs for recreation is worse than possibly making another player blind? I'm not sure that it is. In the days before tactical substitutions (as recently as the 90s), players getting fake injuries was routine. And I don't care too much if some players take drugs that do not give them an advantage in the game. But players who deliberately stick their fingers in the eyes of other players, risking their sight? That I detest.

What is your opinion?

By Mike, at December 15, 2009 11:02 am
Tui, I'd rather have won the world cup twice.

There is a reason why clint eastwood has made a movie about the Springboks. #1

By Jonas, at December 15, 2009 11:15 am
Jonas, we just had our worst end of year tour in a LONG time. Will you voetsak already?? That has nothing to do with this discussion or video. Grow up man.

A life ban for him would be a bit harsh imo. It's not quite the same as that old photo of Garin Jenkins being worked over by an Argie - pic

But a seriously long ban would be good. Anything less than 6 months wouldn't suffice.

The reality is that this type of thing happens, but not always as blatantly. Mike Phillips did something similar to Pierre Spies in the 1st Test in the Lions series. It wasn't as obvious and was only once, but was difficult to see on camera.

Point is, Dupuy isn't the first guy in the world to do it - a lifeban would be a bit harsh thats all.

By FrankyH, at December 15, 2009 11:22 am
I should add, I THINK it was the 1st test. It was a similar 'eye-raking' movement across the face. It was over in a flash and nothing came of it, with no damage done thankfully.

6 months, a year.. even 3 years. But life is a bit OTT.

By FrankyH, at December 15, 2009 11:25 am
Jonas, I think the reason Clint Eastwood made the film about the Boks and Mandela has more to do with the end of the oppression of the majority of South Africans by the white minority than the fact that they won the WC twice.

He didn't make the film about Australia either, did he?

6 months for Dupuy - do we all agree? And the same for Attoub?

:)

By Jack, at December 15, 2009 11:28 am
IN RESPONSE TO THIS COMMENT:

Anonymous said...
Anyway Ferris started it by holding Dupuy for no reason.
Ferris and some Ulster players spent their time offside and cheating on rucks, Pearson never took responsibility during this game to penalised Ulster. Therefore Stade Francais got frustrated and Dupuy eye goughed Ferris.
Dupuy will get a lenghty ban and thats fair but French club should pull out of the H cup, and let british and Irish have fun together
as some referrings during the previous heineken games have been appalling.
Anglo saxons players are cheting pussies, except when they play in France, where they praise the passion in our country.
When you cheat at rugby expect to be punish, first by the ref or by the opposing team, in this case Dupuy.

In the end if Pearson had been partial and sanctionned Ultser infrigements (so as Stade) from the begginning it would have never happenned.

December 14, 2009 1:00 PM

you say Ferris started it by holding Dupuy, lol that is such a retarded comment! Holdin is no reason to eye gorge!! The french can't face to be losing and will do nething to win or try and injure their opposition!! SCUM!

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 11:34 am
Mike,

i don't graduate the gravity of the actions and i certainly don't excuse Dupuy. I hate such coward act on rugby pitchs, eye-gouging are part of!

U have to punish all nasty fouls. But i'm tired with the "fashionnable" sanctions of irb or erc which suddenly punish the first actors and forget the followers.

Eye-gouging seem to be a new phenomenon as it has always existed (and not only in France ;)
shalk burger didn't invent it!

An other time, it will be high tackles (just weirdly cibling islanders players)
Next month, u will have stamping in the rucks (banahan red card is an exception, they are less seen by the referees), before, it was the cathedral tackle...

U will have always a mediatized accident which will change the commision eye.
In 2 months, eye-gougings will be forgotten for a "kick in the nuts" in a maul (very new ;-)),maybe by a prop, a french one? surely

Video allow to watch 90% of the fouls and that's great for rugby. Bu when a camera will see what happen in a scrum, they'll be very surprised :)

By FLOOZ, at December 15, 2009 11:35 am
guillotine him

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 11:48 am
stuff him with frogs
more original and less dirty :)

By FLOOZ, at December 15, 2009 11:51 am
Flooz, sorry if I seemed hysterical, but someday I'm sure that this type of action will lead to a player becoming blind, and you don't find a new pair of eyes in a supermarket... Eye gouging can have much more than career ending consequences for the guy on the receiving end. Do you imagine living for the rest of your life without the ability to see because someone lost his mind for 30 seconds ?
Of course rugby is a dangerous sport, but that is a deliberate act that could lead to terrible consequences, and should be punished as such.

Sorry if you think that having a bad opinion about eye-gougers make me against the spirit of rugby, but I'm not going on the field every sunday with the hope that I'll make all my opponent's use a cane for the rest of their lives. May be we have a different vision of sportsmanship...

Maybe a life ban is excessive, but to me I don't think slapping a supporter is more serious than eye-gouging a player, it is off topic, but it's a shame that Brennan isn't allowed to go on a field anymore (even though no one cares).
Dupuy doesn't deserve to play until the end of the season to me, sorry if you think otherwise, but that is my opinion.

By Ben, at December 15, 2009 12:05 pm
Haha good one tui you're a bloody knob. Typical kiwi you had a shit year so you bring up the past and make up excuses. The rankings are bullshit anyway just look at the wc you lose in the quarter finals (lol) and still remain 2nd after the final while England who made the final are down in 5th or 6th. (and this is just an example I'm not trying to bring up the past like you have) you may be number 1 on paper but it's not deserves after losing over 1/3 of your internationals this year. I'm not even south African btw.

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 12:24 pm
FrankyH, I didnt bring up the Springboks, Tui did.

No one takes the EYOT seriously, its the same as the spring tours for the NH, they send their lesser players south.

And how about you stop attacking your own countrymen?

By Jonas, at December 15, 2009 12:35 pm
Can someone please explain what attoub did I didn't see?

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 12:39 pm
^ read the article Anonymous. It explains it all.

Jonas, fair enough, but I'm embarrassed by the way some of my countrymen behave here at times, you included. I tell myself it's because they're young kids who don't know how to have adult conversations. I hope that's it anyway.

You lost all credibility with your racist comments, and sound like a tool in general.

What's the point in arguing here about who is the best team?! All you're doing is making us sound like douches, not winners. Winners don't need to rub it in others' faces. Losers do.

By FrankyH, at December 15, 2009 12:47 pm
French teams have been ripped off by the referees for 4 or 5 years in Hcup. I'm not surprised they take the law into their own hands, even if the way dupuy did it was very bad.

By paul, at December 15, 2009 1:21 pm
Translation fo Dupuy's interview :
(quick one so not 100%)
I do am aware that my hand is in his eyes...but it's not gouging as my hand is open."
Yet the player admits that it was stupid and illegal.
He's now waiting for the comission, hoping they won't be too severe :
" the video doesn't look good for me, but I'm not really aiming for the eyes (...) I'm not a vicious/ mean guy (...) so I'm hopin it won't be that bad... (/or rather that I will be lucky )

Then it goes on about him apologizing to his team, coach and Ferris himself... while they (him and Attoub) should be heard on thursday...

Again qui translation so not everything is accurate as I tried to give the meaning of the thing rather than a full nice translation.

By jay, at December 15, 2009 1:32 pm
Wasn't that the same Frenchie who stuck his fingers in an All Blacks eyes at the end of the last AB-Fra test? May have even been Richie McCaw...

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 1:45 pm
Australia got a film alright... it's called AUSTRALIA and stars Hugh Jackman and plastic face. I didn't watch it though!

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 2:07 pm
Jonas said...

There is a reason why clint eastwood has made a movie about the Springboks. #1

----

Yes, it was called Apartheid.

I really hope you were joking.

By The Inside Shoulder, at December 15, 2009 3:24 pm
Dear disciplinary panel,

This year for Christmas I would like Dupuy to get a 1 year ban from the game.

Him and that prop.

Thanks,

Eoghan

By Eoghan, at December 15, 2009 3:51 pm
I can't believe Dupuy's still in one piece after he had to spend the rest of the match on the same pitch as Ferris. He's obviously too nice for his own good, or he'd have taken Dupuy to the cleaners.

Also, to those that say the French are being unfairly stereotyped as thugs, this wasn't an isolated incident - the Brive team playing this weekend were a disgrace to the game of rugby as well.

By JK, at December 15, 2009 4:22 pm
dupuy up before irb on thursday. another cheating french man

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 4:51 pm
When Dean Richards gets a three year ban, preventing him from supporting his family, and Matt Stevens gets a 2 year ban for recreational drugs that are not performance enhancing....then a 3 to 4 year ban for eye gouging is perfectly appropriate.

If you damage a player's eyesight then there is a good chance he will not be able to play. Take someone like Ferris. A young player at the top of the game, with great potential to earn good money for the next 8 years or so. Yet, Dupuy could potentially take all that away from him. Such reckless actions deserve a big ban.

By JPM, at December 15, 2009 4:53 pm
jealous of our teams? jealous of our championship? jealous of our eye-gouging players and our struggles? france will win the 6 nations, the heineken cup and even the top 14 this year!!! :)

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 5:06 pm
Yes, this all about jealousy. Not about the most obvious attack on a players eyes in the history of rugby, it is about jealousy.

Good point.

By Michael, at December 15, 2009 5:22 pm
^Set 'em up, country music! Let's aim higher, shall we?

I'm calling it now: a French side will win the next Currie Cup. If they can keep their steam going, maybe they'll even take home the Bledisloe, too!

And FLOOZ, "In 2 months, eye-gougings will be forgotten for a "kick in the nuts" in a maul (very new ;-)),maybe by a prop, a french one? surely"

...Buck Shelford, anyone? ;-)

By edelweiss, at December 15, 2009 5:40 pm
People here should close the book of angerness, dramaturgy and excess.
It is as if dupuy had commited a murder.

As french, i sometimes wonder why french clubs continue to participate to a competition where there are considered like paranoids, thugs, provocated and bad referred..

Just let irish, scottish, english and welsh play their poor pick & go and go back in a 1950's sort of rugby.

a game without eye-gouging, bloodgate or cocaine of course...

By FLOOZ, at December 15, 2009 5:45 pm
edelweiss of course !-)

i quit this incredible (it's the word) debate (not sure if it's the word)

By FLOOZ, at December 15, 2009 5:47 pm
Sorry guys, but I'll have to talk in French, since my English is shit, and I'd like to explain my point clearly to FLOOZ, so skip to the next message :)

Imagines une seconde que tu sois à la place de Ferris, un jeune international qui a toute sa carrière devant lui. Là un mec qui perd ses nerfs pendant un match te fourre le doigt dans l'oeil, oeil crevé, infection... Tu perds TOUT, non seulement ta carrière est finie, mais en plus ta vie aussi, tu peux pas avoir de métier en étant aveugle, t'es obligé de réapprendre à vivre, tu ne reconnais plus personne... Un de mes amis est devenu aveugle il y a quelques années, pas a cause du rugby, mais il était étudiant en médecine comme moi, en 2ème année (il avait passé le plus dur...)
On ne peut evidemment pas être médecin en étant aveugle, et malheureusement pour lui il a mis fin à ses jours après 2 ans de dépression...
C'est un cas extrême certes, mais ce qu'à fait Dupuy aurait pu être bien plus grave, il aurait pu briser la vie de Ferris. Evidemment comme je l'ai dit avant, le rugby est un sport dangereux, tous les ans des jeunes finissent paraplégique suite à un accident, mais ce sont des accidents, là c'était une tentative délibérée de nuire. Je ne dis pas qu'on a pas le droit de perdre ses nerfs, personne n'est parfait, moi-même j'en suis loin mais il aurait du se contenter de lui mettre un coup de poing dans la machoire, qu'il aurait cassé au pire des cas.
Tu dois toujours penser que je suis qu'un petit con qui devrait aller calmer sa colère sur des sites pornos, pas grave... Mais sache que s'attaquer aux yeux de quelqu'un peut aller bien plus loin que ce que tu penses, et que Dupuy mérite d'être éloigné des terrains cette saison (je pense que t'avais compris ce point) au moins, même s'il n'a pas blessé Ferris l'intention y était...

By Ben, at December 15, 2009 6:07 pm
Flooz,

The reason we think that some French people are paranoid about the referees etc. in the Heineken Cup is because every time something goes wrong, they go "it's because they hate the French".

When Shane Jennings got a long ban for 'gouging', a lot of people thought it was unfair (especially as the victim said it was not really gouging), but nobody said 'it's because he's Irish!'. When Munster lost a chance to wind the Heineken Cup in the last 2 minutes against Northampton because Neil Back cheated, Munster fans were annoyed and blamed Back, but we did not say 'they cheat us because we are Irish'! When a referee makes a bad decision, we do not say 'the referee is biased against the Irish!'.

This is the same for every country, except France. Every country gets what seems like bad referee decisions, bad punishments for players - except for Fingers Burger :) - but it is only SOME French fans who say, 'It is because they hate France!!'.

This makes French fans look paranoid. I think it would be very sad if French rugby withdrew from the rest of the world - bad for rugby in France and everywhere else. Perhaps you remember how Enlgish football clubs were the best in Europe in the 70s and 80s until they were banned from European competition for 5 years after the Heysel stadium disaster. It took 20 years for English teams to recover to the top level in Europe.

Like other posters here have said, I enjoy French rugby a lot and like to watch the French team. However, I do not like the 'victim' mentality of some French rugby people - I hope this can change.

By Jack, at December 15, 2009 6:25 pm
"When Munster lost a chance to wind the Heineken Cup in the last 2 minutes against Northampton because Neil Back cheated, Munster fans were annoyed and blamed Back, but we did not say 'they cheat us because we are Irish'!"

No, they penned it down in the Munster playbook for Quinlan to try out 3 years later ;)

By edelweiss, at December 15, 2009 6:35 pm
Edelweiss -

I don't remember that! Anyway, referees hate Munster... :)

By Jack, at December 15, 2009 6:50 pm
Ehh...that's because I meant "7 years" instead of "3 years"...or, I should have, anyways:

http://rugbydump.blogspot.com/2009/11/alan-quinlan-attempts-to-replicate-hand.html

By edelweiss, at December 15, 2009 7:19 pm
that was absolutely amazing

By Anonymous, at December 15, 2009 7:41 pm
never seen a player look up and see the refs not looking then stick his fingers in someones eyes!!!disgrace!!!year ban needed!!

By Hanvey, at December 15, 2009 10:06 pm
Can an admin please delete the previous comment? We don't need stupid stiff like that here.

Cheers!

By Mike, at December 15, 2009 10:45 pm
"Just let irish, scottish, english and welsh play their poor pick & go and go back in a 1950's sort of rugby." - Flooz

LOL at the stupidity of that comment mate. Why don't you just have a look at the Quins v Sale highlights or the Leinster v Sacrlets. Yes, leave us to our pick and go 1950s rugby, I'm certain we would survive without you :))))

By 1950's Superstar, at December 15, 2009 11:54 pm
hmmm, guys i think you should take some of the comments with a pinch of salt.

I've noticed the more you comment the more likely someone is at getting upset.

This leads to people pretending to be you and leaving stupid comments.

Who knows, it could have been flooz or it might have been someone who is arguing with him/her and cant win....

By No.7, at December 16, 2009 12:33 am
I think maybe it cuts both was.
I do think British refs tend to favor British teams. Whether or not that's due to interpretations that the British teams are used to or not, I don't know. I do believe it happens though.
Equally I think French teams still have some discipline issues.
Clearly there's something wrong at a club that has two guys gouging the same opposition player in one ruck. That's a horrible lack of discipline and fair play.
Disgraceful in fact.

By Jon, at December 16, 2009 2:03 am
What's surprising is the stupidity. How many times does it have to be said that you do not put your fingers across a player's eyes? .. whether you are raking them or not, if seen, you will always get cited, always. Repeat, always. And if you do it twice right out in the open in front of a dozen or more TV cameras you are making sure that you will be banned. Bop him on the head, clip his ear, whatever, you will cop a penalty at most. There is no excuse, leave the eyes alone, it isn't rocket science.
And it isn't confined to the French either.
But I also agree with Jack, the victim mentality of both the French and the Bok fans, which have both got a run on here, gets a bit pathetic.

By troy, at December 16, 2009 3:13 am
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/stade-pair-apologise-after-gouging-1841591.html

Three apologies!!! One each from the players and one from the club! If ever there was an admission of guilt masked as an apology! Cut their losses and show remorse now before the officials doom them! Thierry Henry did the same...

By Myer is My Store, at December 16, 2009 6:11 am
In the slow mo you can clearly see Ferris say to Dupuy "my eyes are itching can you scratch them?". Dupuy obviously obliges. Harsh allegation.

By Anonymous, at December 16, 2009 3:15 pm
'In the slow mo you can clearly see Ferris say to Dupuy "my eyes are itching can you scratch them?". Dupuy obviously obliges. Harsh allegation.'

lol, peter de villiers will be sending ferris a tutu for christmas!

By No.7, at December 16, 2009 4:36 pm
Jonas, you really do live in la la land bro.

SA has only become a threat recently after winning the 07 WC... Even then you couldn't back it up in 08 tri-nations against an Allblacks team in serious rebuilding and 09 you only just managed it with probably your greatest team of all time (which are a great team no doubt).

The reason the movie "Invictus" has been made goes way past rugby and is based around Nelson Mandelas attempts to fix up your country....

Don't get to far ahead of yourself Jonas, you and your little Brussow cheer squad need to step into reality.

By Tui, at December 17, 2009 12:16 am
Well said Tui,

JONAS you are a muppet who probably lives in Aus/NZ/UK anyway.

Brussow is terrible, had 1 good game for the Saffas against NZ and went missing the next week and got consistantly pinged for being offside a off his feet.

He did a couple of good things against the Lions... but who cares, the lions never do sh*t anyway.

How many tests has that midget played? I sware I saw him cry against the Lions anyway...

We would much rather face brussow than Burger, so keep him comming lads!!

By Nicko, at December 17, 2009 12:27 am
Fair enough. Give him 10-12 weeks. BOOM! sorted.

To all the people calling the Fench cowards? You have to be shitting me?! The French are the toughest customers around.

Also this Saturdays's re-match is gonna be the biggest boxing match ever.

By Unknown, at December 17, 2009 4:42 pm
The result just came out : 6 month ban.

Since I'm french + from Paris I am - for sure - very partial but I can't help to think that's a bit harsh.

However, let's hope that will send a clear message to our beautifull sport that manners still count.

By Anonymous, at December 18, 2009 5:03 pm
Here are the results of erc commissions on last H-cup incidents:

Arnaud Mela, Brive, french > 7 weeks for a kick on an opponent

Guillaume Ribes, Brive, french > 4 weeks for a kick on an opponent

Julien Dupuy, Stade Français, french, 6 months, for eye-gouging accusation (Burger took 12 weeks for the same action)

David Attoub, Stade Français, french, audition postponed to january, the photo which was the basis of the accusation of eye-gouging is maybe a photo-montage

Tommy bowe, ospreys, irish, free to play

I let u quietly meditate on all these decisions. cheers :)

By Flooz, at December 18, 2009 5:09 pm
He gets what he deserves, miss him for 6N

By clem, at December 18, 2009 5:24 pm
I am shocked... 6 months. again it is a french player that gets it. Not Burger, not Parisse, not the london irish player who kicked a player on the ground 3 weeks ago, no, A french player...

What Dupuy did was ignominious, he deserved a harsh punishment, 12 or even 16 weeks would have been deserved, but the difference in treatment between him together with the other french players and the other nation players is appalling.. No wonder french fans get paranoid...

Consistency is the key in any sentencing policy. in rule of law professionnals know that the law and its enforcers lose the respect of the people when this consistency disappears, because it can lead to accusations of bias, racism, class discrimination, etc...

In rugby it is less dramatic but still. If this sentence stands I sure hope from know a english prop who floors cold a romanian prop for a french club will get a lenghty ban too...

consistency.

By Julien, at December 18, 2009 5:36 pm
6 months was pretty lean could've added another six to it so stop yapping julien! IRB are trying to clamp down on the gouging since they F**ked up the burger situation. It'll be interesting to see what happens attoub his was a def gouge so he could get longer again.

By fluff, at December 18, 2009 6:06 pm
In the name of what should he be set as an exemple?

By Anonymous, at December 18, 2009 6:07 pm
Flooz I never thought about it like that. You obviously mean that French players are dirty cheats, and judging by the evidence you presented I'd have to agree with you.

I don't see why people are complaining. I mean he gouged him twice. He even held Ferris' head back so he could get a better angle. Despicable. I think he deserved a year.

By Kearney for tests, at December 18, 2009 6:38 pm
guys who say about consistency. I dont really agree...

Im not a lions fan but i wanted them to win the series. definately not an SA fan, but burgers gouge was on a different level....

burger grabbed his face, and i assume gouged, made contact with the eye area.

what we saw here was dupuy make small contact, look to see the ref, then do it again much worse....

i think the fact the other stade players contribution also will not help dupuy's case as it makes it look more planned!!

By No.7, at December 18, 2009 7:54 pm
6 months i s perfectly fair, and its how things are going recently. that's fine that's the future and so it should be. Gouging is bizzarely increasing of late at the top level.

Jennings' ban was completely OTT, but in light of the new, post-Burger reality, bans like this are how it will be from now on.

IF players can't see that, they've been gouged (metaphorically).

Can't wait to see the adjourned ban in January for the Stade prop....world record ban coming???

(well. apart from drug or fan attacking bans)

By mise, at December 18, 2009 8:07 pm
"Tommy bowe, ospreys, irish, free to play"

You're comparing a double-eye-gouge to a dangerous tackle?

The way the citing commission has been handing out weird bans, I wouldn't have been surprised to see Bowe get suspended, but in no way did Dupuy not deserve the ban he received.

If it makes you feel any better, Danny Care was recently suspended for a dangerous tackle.

I'm hoping Attoub gets nothing, since there's only a picture and that's not evidence enough, in my opinion.

By Javier, at December 18, 2009 8:57 pm
You cant compare eye gouging to anything! There is no place for it anywhere, i hope we never see it again after this ban!!!

By Ah yesa, at December 18, 2009 9:15 pm
Ah yesa,

Actually, I was surprised to find out all that the IRB DO compare gouging with:

http://www.ercrugby.com/images/content/cupstandard/IRB_Sanctions.pdf

"Testicle grabbing or twisting or squeezing" - glad we don't see that one often.

Also, Flooz, it's not an "eye-gouging accusation"...it's an eye-gouging fact. Are you really going to dispute that he didn't gouge him?

By Javier, at December 18, 2009 9:38 pm
Haha, just found a quote from Lievremont:

"I hope there is an appeal and that the ban is replaced by something more reasonable."

So does he actually want a longer ban? Because that's what is more reasonable! He tried to blind the guy!

By Anonymous, at December 19, 2009 12:01 am
Who would win in a fight? A bunch of northern irish/ irish guys, or a bunch of parisiens. Find out this weekend. Taking all bets!

By Anonymous, at December 19, 2009 12:04 am