Case Number:

ON/1527/19

Jack Arnold #25, Keighley

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Keighley v Hunslet

Match Date:

2019-08-11

Incident:

Gouging in the 75th minute (Watson)

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 75th minute of the match and was placed on report following approach from the opponent to referee. The player makes unnecessary contact to the left eye of the opponent in an off the ball incident. An immediate physical and verbal reaction from the opponent ensues, which is prolonged. The Referee, physio and the opponent’s submissions regarding injury sustained are all consistent. The Match Review Panel state that 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 notes the incident well and states he did not have his hands anyway near his face. As the player and his opponent grapple, the player ends up beneath his opponent. The player states his arms were gripped under his arms and then one of his arm comes free and is holding onto his opponents’ shoulder.

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 this instance is not clear however this does not disprove that the incident did not occur and given the opponent together with the physio and referees statement that an injury had occurred, 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. This was the second occasion in the game that the player committed the same offence. 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