Case Number:

ON/1491/19

Dane Straughier #12, Hunslet

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Keighley v Hunslet

Match Date:

2019-08-11

Incident:

Punching in the 75th minute (Prell)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(a)
Detail – Running in and punching
Grade – B

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

1 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 15th 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 75th minute of the above Match. You were temporarily dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you ran in and threw a punch towards an opponent (Prell). 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 B offence (Strikes - Punching – Running in and Punching) The normal suspension range for such offence is from 1 match to 2 match suspension.

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

Player in attendance alongside Head Coach Gary Thornton, Player pleads Guilty to throwing a punch in a melee but disputes the charge of “Running in and Punching.”

The Tribunal are told the player intervened in an altercation between a group of players and entered as a peacemaker. The player is Captain and following a discussion with the Referee and opposing captain earlier in the game had been told to take control of his team.

The player entered the altercation to help try and restore order. As he had his back turned he was confronted by a number of opponents who manhandled him. He then reacted by throwing one punch but this was done in self-defence and he was not the aggressor in the situation. This was indeed stated in both the reports from the Touch Judge and Referee.

The player insists there was no malice in his actions and that as Captain he was going to help calm a situation. It was also stated that members of the opposing team had run from further away and also got themselves involved.

Decision:

Guilty

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage and listened to the submissions made from both sides.

They are in agreement that the player did not enter the situation to inflame it and did indeed go over with the intention of trying to control his team. They are aware that the player – as he accepts – did throw a punch but that this was done following the approach from a number of opposition players.

They therefore feel that the player is guilty, but of the charge of “Reaction to opponent – lashing out.”

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(a) Striking – running in and punching
• Incident occurred in the 75th minute of the match
• Player was temporarily dismissed
• Player runs into coming together of players (approx. 10m)
• Mr Straugheir makes direct contact to the head of opponent
• Graded B due to;
- Runs in
- Makes contact with the head of opponent throwing punches
- Not part of play
- Running in aggravates the coming together

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

The player and his Head Coach reiterate he did not enter as the aggressor and that this is stated in both reports from the officials. There was no malice involved and for a player who had played professionally for over 9 years he has a very good disciplinary record.

Aggravating Factors:

12/07/2018 – Dangerous Throw (Caution)
09/08/2012 – Punching (Grade B, 1 match)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have taken into account the players previous record and are impressed at it.

They agree that whilst guilty the charge should be amended to “Reaction to opponent – lashing out” and as such feel such a charge should be graded at Grade A. They therefore agree the player should not receive a sanction at the lower end of the grade which means the player does not receive a suspension but does however have to pay a £75 fine.

Suspension:

N/A