Argentinian lock Mariano Galarza will miss the rest of the Rugby World Cup after being given a nine-week ban for eye-gouging an All Black.
Argentina lock Mariano Galarza Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Galarza - who came on as a half-time substitution in the game against the All Blacks at Wembley - has been found guilty at a tournament judicial hearing.
Independent Citing Commissioner Murray Whyte, of Ireland, found Galarza had been guilty of "contact with the eye or eye area" of All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick in the Wembley match.
"The Judicial Officer deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of 12 weeks," organisers said in a statement.
An additional week was added as a deterrent against such acts, though Galarza's suspension was reduced to nine weeks after taking into account mitigating factors, including his excellent disciplinary record.
The suspension takes effect immediately and includes the player's remaining matches at the Rugby World Cup, before converting to weeks with his English club Gloucester.
Galarza will be free to resume playing on 26 November.