Case Number:

ON/1233/19

Michael McIlorum #9, Catalans

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Catalans v Warrington

Match Date:

2019-08-03

Incident:

High tackle in the 80th minute (Akauola)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(b)
Detail – Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome
Grade – B

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

1 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Not Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 5th August 2019, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 80th minute of the above Match. You were dismissed following this incident. In the Panel’s opinion while attempting to tackle you made contact with the neck and head of your opponent (Akauola). The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and caused your opponent injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence (High Tackle –Reckless – tried to tackle but reckless about outcome). The normal suspension range for such offence is from a 1 – 2 match suspension.

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

Player represented by Richard Cramer & Stuart Cummings, with Head Coach Steve McNamara on SKYPE.

The player pleads Not Guilty. He accepts that there was some contact with opponent’s head but that first contact when making the tackle was on the ball being carried by the opponent.

The tackling arm went up off the ball to the neck area and made slight contact with the head. There was no intent to injure the opponent and no injury resulted. The player was dismissed from the field and “sending off sufficient” would have been an appropriate way to deal with this matter.

Decision:

Guilty

Reasons for Decision:

This Tribunal are satisfied that this was a High Tackle committed by the tackling player and justified the player being dismissed from the field and the subsequent Grade B charge.

The player came be clearly seen approaching the opponent and swinging his arm in an upwards trajectory towards the opponent’s head and neck area. It is accepted that there was initial contact with the ball but this did deflect to the opponents head which does clearly go back.

There is no doubt the player could have foreseen what his actions may have resulted in. This Tribunal are satisfied the player is guilty as charged. They are of the opinion that the challenge to the Penalty Notice was not reasonable and therefore impose an additional 1 match suspension and that the £500 deposit is forfeited.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Suspension:

2 matches