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'I am shocked' - Chilean player in dock after 'disgusting' photo shared online
By Ian Cameron
A Chilean rugby player has been slammed this week after an image of a clear eye gouge was shared online by a Canadian international.
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The incident occurred while Canada and Chile were facing off in a Rugby World Cup ‘Americas 2’ qualifier in the Starlight Stadium in Langford, BC last weekend; a game Canada barely won 22 – 21.
However it seems the Chilean player involved has escaped a citing for the incident, which would have almost certainly seen him spend months on the sideline.
Canadian scrum-half Jamie Mackenzie shared the photos on Twitter, highlighting the eye gouge during the match and questioning why World Rugby did not act on it. Mackenzie, who last represented Canada in 2019, has received plenty of support over the matter.
“Came across this pic from Canada vs Chile and I am shocked World Rugby has done nothing about it,” wrote McKenzie on Twitter. “Players reporting eye gouging and other despicable behaviours. Surprisingly, as a half-back I like a bit of grit, but there’s no room for this BS in the game.”
https://twitter.com/jmackerdoo/status/1445888654635933699
Former Canadian hooker Ray Barkwell wrote: “Absolutely disgusting another issue on the lack of accountability for players officials and citing commissioners.”
Absolutely disgusting another issue on the lack of accountability for players officials and citing commissioners. @WorldRugby
— Ray Barkwill (@RayBarkwill2) October 6, 2021
Canada face Chile again in Valparaiso today as both teams try and stay in the hunt for the Americas 2 qualification place.
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Earlier this week Canada head coach Kingsley Jones has confirmed a significant boost in the form of the highly-rated former Ospreys second row Tyler Ardron for the second leg.
The Chilians will climb two places to 26th with victory for their highest ranking since February 2018. The Canucks will fall two places to 23rd in defeat, with Hong Kong and Russia the beneficiaries. Canada cannot improve on 21st place, even with a win by more than 15 points, while Chile cannot fall from 28th in defeat.
