Case Number:

ON/1427/19

George Flanagan #21, Bradford

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Bradford v Toronto

Match Date:

2019-08-04

Incident:

Attack to testicles in the 31st minute (Miloudi)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(i)
Detail – Attack to testicles
Grade – F

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

8+ or period suspension

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 8th 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 31st minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion, you promoted your hand to the groin area of an opponent (Miloudi) and appeared to apply pressure to the testicles. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause your opponent an injury, against the true spirit of the game and constitute Misconduct.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade F offence (Behaves in way contrary to the true spirit of the game – testicles – attacking) In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is 8 plus matches.

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

Player in attendance alongside Assistant Coach Gareth Carvell and pleads guilty to the charge and accepts the grading at Grade F.

Players representative reiterates that there is no excuse for this type of conduct on the field. The player has been spoken to by the Head Coach regarding his on-field conduct.

The player himself has accepted that his conduct on the field during this current season has not been acceptable. He has missed several matches due to his conduct.

This is not the type of conduct the player relates to and as a player of considerable experience he appreciates he is perhaps coming towards the end of his player career.

The player relates that he had only been on the field for three minutes when this “brain explosion” occurred. Player has demonstrated considerable remorse for his conduct and accepts his guilt.

Decision:

Guilty and accepts the grading at Grade F

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Player charged under RFL Rule 15.1(i) Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game – testicles - attacking
• Incident occurred in the 31st minute of the match and placed on report
• Mr Flanagan makes approach between the legs of opponent after the tackle is complete
• Immediate physical reaction from Mr Miloudi and from Mr Wilkin verbally to the referee
• Clear medical reports submitted due to nature of the injury, supported by the player’s submissions.
• Referee report, players statement and medical report all clearly note a squeeze to the testicles
• Footage clearly shows Mr Flanagan’s hand placed in the area in which has been injured following contact
• Graded F due to;
- Charge starts at Grade F
- Unnecessary and not part of the game
- Clear intent due to the nature of the contact – could not be accidental
- No place in the game for such acts
- Brings the game into disrepute

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Player accepts his guilt and has been spoken to by the Head Coach about his on-field conduct.

Player accepts his recent conduct on the field has not been acceptable.

Aggravating Factors:

26.1.12 – Dangerous Contact (Grade B, 1 match)
16.5.13 – Punching (Grade B, 1 match)
26.5.16 – Repeated Punching (Grade C, 2 matches)
17.1.19 – Dangerous Contact (Grade B, 1 match)
27.6.19 – Trip – intentional (Grade C, 2 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have carefully viewed the footage on several occasions and listened to the submissions made by the player and his representative.

This was a clear and deliberate attack on an opponent’s testicles after a tackle had been made. This was obviously a painful incident but it is noted the opponent did play on.

In deciding the appropriate sanction this Tribunal have taken into account the players previous disciplinary record. The Tribunal are impressed that the player has acknowledged his conduct over the current season has not been acceptable

They are satisfied that the player has shown genuine remorse for his actions and they have also been impressed by the stance taken by the club relating to the player on his behalf.

This Tribunal feel that an 8 match suspension and a £250 fine are appropriate.

Suspension:

8 matches