Case Number:

ON/1237/19

Sam Tomkins #29, Catalans

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Catalans v Warrington

Match Date:

2019-08-03

Incident:

Punching in the 80th minute (Mamo)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(a)
Detail – Punching sustained, repeated or violent
Grade – C

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

3 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenging the level of grading

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 5th August 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 80th minute of the above Match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you threw punches towards an opponent (Mamo). The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade C offence (Strikes - Punching – Sustained, repeated or violent) The normal suspension range for such offence is from 2 match to 3 match suspension.

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

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

Player accepts that he did throw two punches at an opponent but this was as a result of the opponents own actions towards him.

Player indicates that he ran into the situation initially to make a tackle. Other players then ran into a melee involving several players from both teams.

The opponent grapples with the player and pulls him away from the melee involving other players. The opponent has hold of players neck and will not release him. Player describes how he was gripped in a choke around his neck by the opponent. This was a continual grip that restricted his airway. Player was in a state of shock when not released. Restriction was for about 16 seconds.

Player accepts he did throw two punches as a result of the opponents’ actions. This was not repeated or sustained violent punching and does not warrant a Grade C grading.

The considerable actions of the opponent should be taken into consideration.

Decision:

Guilty, but challenging the level of grading

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Aggravating Factors:

15.10.18 – Strikes with knee (Grade B 1 match)
29.4.19 – Dangerous Contact (Grade A-N/A)

Reasons for Decision:

This is a challenge to the level of grading at Grade C for repeated striking.

There is no dispute that there was a striking by this player who accepts he threw two punches at the opponent in reaction to being forcibly held by the opponent for a considerable period of time whilst being pulled away from a melee involving players from both sides.

This Tribunal are satisfied these were forceful and violent punches towards the head of an opponent who was trying to pull the player away from a melee involving other players. The Tribunal note when the second punch is delivered and sends the opponent to the ground he is being held by another opponent.

This level of violent direct striking to the head has the potential for serious injury. This Tribunal are satisfied that the grading at Grade C is appropriate for this level of punching and that the 3 match suspension is the correct sanction in this case.

Suspension:

3 matches