Case Detail
Case Number:
ON/1239/19
Kenny Edwards #11, Catalans
Competition:
Super League
Match:
Catalans v Warrington
Match Date:
2019-08-03
Incident:
Other Contrary Behaviour in the 80th minute
Decision:
Charge
Charge Detail:
Rule – 15.1(i)
Detail – Any other Contrary Behaviour
Grade – C
Sanctions:
2-3
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, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above Match.
The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 80th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion, you demonstrated behaviours and actions which had the potential to incite the crowd. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and constituted misconduct.
Due to the nature of the charge, the Panel cannot issue a Penalty Notice and as such the matter will be referred to the Operational Rules Tribunal for determination in accordance with section 3.4 of the On-Field Sentencing Guidelines.
Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Player represented by Richard Cramer and Stuart Cummings with Head Coach Steve McNamara on SKYPE.
The player indicated that at the end of the game he was pleased with the result and went towards the crowd behind the goals. He was aware there was some problems in the crowd as he had been watching it for a time.
He then heard the Catalan crowd begin to sing their Catalan song and he turned to where he knew they were seated in the crowd and raised hands and arms in the air to encourage them to celebrate this win.
His actions were not to incite the crowd as the trouble had started previously. His actions were an encouragement to his own fans to celebrate the win by singing. He raised his hands to do this and not to incite any spectators.
Decision:
Not Guilty
Reasons for Decision:
This Tribunal have to consider the actions of this player at the end of the game between Catalan and Warrington. There was a lamentable scene at the end of the game that has no place in Rugby League and was a disgrace to the game.
It is argued that this players actions of waving his arms in the direction of the crowd was to incite them but this Tribunal note that the trouble had already started prior to the players gesticulations. It is clear that the player was agitated but no more than any other player.
The situation was not assisted by other players reacting to these gesticulations and the player himself did not assist by acting in an unprofessional manner when he was aware there were problems in the crowd.
The player indicates the actions were to encourage his own fans to celebrate the result by singing the Catalan song and not directed at any other supporters. This Tribunal have to be comfortably satisfied that this player was guilty of this charge. This Tribunal do not feel the evidence presented does do this and find the player Not Guilty.