A viral video capturing a potential eye-gouging incident during Toulouse’s Investec Champions Cup quarter-final win against Exeter Chiefs has stirred controversy online.
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The footage suggests Exeter hooker Jack Yeandle may have made contact with the eye region of Toulouse lock Richie Arnold during the match at Stade Ernest-Wallon, where the hosts secured a commanding 64-26 victory.
Originally shared by a French account on X, the video has now been recirculated in higher quality, intensifying scrutiny around the incident.
The Chiefs forward has not been cited for the incident.
One fan wrote on X: “I hope a lengthy ban is incoming. Disgusting.”
Another rugby fan also wasn’t averse to extreme consequences: “Vile. Genuinely one of the worst things I’ve seen on a rugby pitch. That’s utterly unforgivable and I’d not be against a life ban.”
Another Toulouse follower wrote: “If that’s how I’m seeing that, it’s a lifetime ban and expulsion from ever competing in rugby. For Life.”
Sports lawyer Tim O’Connor explained: “There is no good contact with the eye area, but this is a very, very bad one indeed.”
Clearer footage can be viewed below.
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