McCloskey Comments on Gesi's Red Card Incident
Stuart McCloskey expressed hope that Zebre's Simone Gesi "doesn't get banned for any length of time" following Gesi's red card during Ulster's 28-12 victory over the Italian club in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Saturday.
Gesi was sent off for clawing the eye of the Ireland international, but McCloskey is not seeking further punishment beyond the red card itself.
Instead, the 33-year-old centre regards such incidents as part of the intensity of the game and believes the red card is sufficient disciplinary action.
"The eye is fine," McCloskey told NI.
"You have to give a statement after these things, [but] I thought it was fairly accidental.
"I don't think there was any malice in it. Those things happen sometimes and I hope he doesn't get banned for any length of time. I think a red card will suffice for it."
McCloskey's Return to Ulster After Six Nations Campaign
This match marked McCloskey's first appearance for Ulster following a notable Six Nations campaign representing Ireland, which culminated in his nomination for player of the tournament.
While Ireland secured the Triple Crown with a win over Scotland on the final day, the championship was ultimately claimed by France. A last-minute penalty by France's Thomas Ramos secured victory for Les Bleus against England later that day.
"Ramos is Ramos" is how McCloskey described that dramatic conclusion to the tournament, which he regarded as "one of the best tournaments in years."
"I wish we had gone on and won it but what a final day for the fans," he reflected.
"If you gave us that scenario at the end of the day and said, 'Ramos will have a kick from 40 metres out in front of the post to win it', I think we would have taken the odds of that.
"It was an amazing performance and an amazing game. I don't think anyone thought he was going to miss it."
Home Advantage Could Boost Ulster Against Ospreys
Ulster's recent win over Zebre marked McCloskey's return to club rugby in the URC. This week, the stakes increase as Ulster aims to advance in the European Challenge Cup.
Richie Murphy's side will host Ospreys in the last 16 on Saturday in Belfast (20:00 BST), seeking to overturn a previous URC defeat to the Welsh club away in February.
"It's cup rugby, anyone can win it on the day," McCloskey said.
"I'm hoping home advantage will pull us through. I know they beat us out there and take great confidence from that but if we play our best rugby and get our best players on the field hopefully, we will have a bit much for them."
