Case Number:

ON/1140/19

George Roby #9, Warrington

Competition:

Academy

Match:

Warrington v Leeds

Match Date:

2019-07-12

Incident:

Punching in the 68th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule: 15.1(a)
Detail: Punching sustained, repeated or violent.
Grade: D

Fine:

£50

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 18th July, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 68th minute of the above Match. You were temporarily dismissed following this incident. In the Panel’s opinion, you punched your opponent (Walters) in the head area multiple times. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent injury.

Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Player not in attendance –letter submitted by Peter Riding Head of Youth accepting the players guilt and apologising for his actions which he and the club do not condone or find acceptable. Player has been subject to internal discipline. Player is starting out on a professional journey and now accepts that this kind of conduct are not the actions of a modern day rugby league player. The club believe the player will learn from his mistake.

Decision:

Guilty

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Graded at grade D due to:-
Level of force used on opponent
Direct contact with opponents head on at least 6 occasions
Opponent did not retaliate
Such violent conduct has the potential for serious injury
No place in the game for this type violence or thuggery

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Player accepts his guilt-apologises for his actions-has been subject to internal discipline by the club

Reasons for Decision:

Having viewed the DVD there is no doubt this was a sustained and violent attack involving a high level of force where blows were directed at the opponents head. This level of force has the potential for serious injury. In deciding the appropriate sanction the tribunal give the player credit for his guilty plea and the fact that his club and coaching staff appreciate this type of conduct is not acceptable. This tribunal feel that a 5 match suspension and a £50 fine are appropriate.

Suspension:

5 matches