Case Number:

ON/1526/19

Jack Arnold #25, Keighley

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Keighley v Hunslet

Match Date:

2019-08-11

Incident:

Gouge in the 40th minute (Tonks)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(i)
Detail – Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game – gouge
Grade - E

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

4-8

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Not guilty

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

The Match Review panel charged the player under RFL Rule 15.1(i) Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game – gouge. The incident occurred in the 40th minute of the match and placed on report as players left the field. The player makes unnecessary contact to the right eye of opponent after the tackle is complete. There was an immediate physical and verbal reaction from the opponent. The footage clearly shows Mr Arnold’s hand placed in the area in which contact has been made. The charge was graded at E due to being unnecessary and not part of the game. There is a clear intent due to the nature of the contact and it could not be accidental. The Match Review Panel there is no place in the game for such acts and it brings the game into disrepute.

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

The player pleads not guilty to the offence. The player admits his hand was in the vicinity, but he was merely pulling his hand away from the tackle area. The player states that if the there was contact it would have been with the left and not the right eye which the opponent is claiming. Any contact was accidental and there was certainly no pressure applied to the eyes.

Decision:

Guilty

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal note that in this case, a decision cannot be made on footage alone. In this case the Tribunal note that the opponent immediately complained and confronted the player. The footage in does show the player clearly have his hand near his opponent’s eye area. The opponent immediately confronts the player when it happens, and this carries on into the tunnel area. The opponent makes the referee which can be shown on the match footage. The Tribunal believe that a gouge has occurred. Therefore, the charge has been made out and the Tribunal find the player guilty.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

No further submissions

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Player does not feel he is that type of player and given his previous record, feels that this should be considered when considering sanction.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal taking all the factors note that this is a very ugly incident to occur within the game of Rugby League and one which should be marked with a significant sanction. The Tribunal give the player credit for his record however feel that a 6 match suspension is appropriate. There will be no fine imposed for in this instance.

Suspension:

6 matches