Burgess apologises after copping four-match ban

England prop George Burgess said it was never his intention to eye-gouge Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak after being slapped with a four-match suspension following the ugly incident at Anfield.

Television footage showed Burgess’ fingers making contact with the New Zealand fullback’s eye in a tackle in the 61st minute of the second test England won 20-14 in Liverpool on Monday.

Burgess went unpunished in the game but he was later cited and the Rugby Football League announced yesterday that he was found guilty of a Grade D offence – ‘‘contrary to the true spirit of the game’’ – after a disciplinary hearing.

The 26-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge before accepting his punishment, but said he could not accept that he would deliberately gouge an opponent’s eye.

‘‘I want to make it completely clear to everyone that it was never my intention to ever gouge anyone,’’ Burgess said after his suspension was made public.

‘‘It is not in my makeup as a rugby league player and never has been.

‘‘I sincerely apologise to anyone who thinks bad of me after seeing the footage. I always set out to be a positive role model for the younger generation and I will continue to do so.’’

Burgess was also fined £500 (NZ$970) after a three-man international disciplinary panel – including one representative each from England and New Zealand – assessed the incident.