If White is cited it could hit his Six Nations participation

Leicester prop Julian White has denied allegations of eye-gouging in Saturday's Heineken Cup game against the Ospreys.

The Welsh side claimed some of their players had marks around the eyes after they beat the Tigers 15-9.

"Leicester are aware that an allegation of serious foul play has been made against one of their players," said a club statement.

"The player denies any knowledge of wrongdoing."

Leicester added that they did not condone serious foul play of any nature and took such allegations seriously.

Ospreys will examine television footage before deciding whether to cite the England international.

"Apparently, there is some footage," said Ospreys head coach Sean Holley.

"The evidence is quite clear. I think we have a duty to eradicate this from our game. If it warrants a citing, we will certainly do it this time."

606: DEBATE Give your reaction the game between Ospreys and Leicester

Ospreys assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys suggested there had been a couple of incidents involving White when the sides met at Welford Road in October but the Welsh side had opted not to cite on that occasion.

"It is disappointing it happens, and disappointing it happens with the same guy," said Humphreys.

"It seems to be becoming part of the game, and there are a few guys in the dressing-room who are upset with Julian."

If White is to face a disciplinary hearing, he could be hit with a lengthy ban.

Former Sale forward Peter Anglesea was handed a 12-month ban for eye-gouging in 2001, though his punishment was overturned by a subsequent Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing.

Last year Leicester centre Seru Rabeni served a 14-week ban after he was found guilty of making illegal contact with Andy Kyriacou of Saracens.

The 35-year-old White flew out to Portugal with the England squad on Sunday after being called up to replace Matt Stevens who was suspended after failing a drugs test.

White, the oldest surviving member of the 2003 World Cup-winning squad, made himself unavailable for the 2007 tournament because he did not want to leave his farm or young family.

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