De Villiers says Burger should not have been penalised

By Ken Borland

PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - Springbok flanker Schalk Burger should not have been given a yellow card for gouging the eye of British and Irish Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald, South African coach Peter de Villiers said.

"I don't believe it was a card at all," De Villiers said after the Springboks won the second test 28-25 on Saturday to clinch the series.

"In the first minute already there had been a lot of needle and if you watch the whole game you will see how many yellow cards they were let off."

Burger was yellow-carded in the second minute after referee Christophe Berdos consulted with assistant Bryce Lawrence. Television replays showed Burger made contact with Fitzgerald's eye with one of his fingers.

"This is sport, this is what it's about," De Villiers said. "If things were clearcut then we shouldn't even bother preparing for a game. Everyone is entitled to their opinion."

Burger, a former International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year, is almost certain to be cited for the offence.

"I felt a hand going for my eyes," said Fitzgerald. "If the referee decided to take action then it probably is a red card."

The South Africans trailed 16-8 at halftime but won the game thanks to Morne Steyn's 55-metre penalty on the final hooter.