Case Number:

ON/1633/19

Brandon Moore #14, Halifax

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Halifax v York

Match Date:

2019-09-07

Incident:

Questioning the Integrity of Match Official in the 76th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(f)
Detail – Questioning the integrity of a Match Official
Grade – D

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 9th September, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(f) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 76th minute of the above Match. You were temporarily dismissed following this incident. In the Panel’s opinion, you used foul and abusive language towards a Match Official and questioned the integrity of the Match Official. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and constitute Misconduct.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence (Uses offensive or obscene language - Questioning the integrity of a Match Official). In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is 3 to 5 matches.

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

Player unable to attend due to work commitments. A letter has been submitted by the club on players behalf accepting his guilt of Questioning the Integrity of the Match Official.

Players admits that his frustration got the better of him on this occasion and after several decisions against his team concedes he made the comments to the official.

The player deeply regrets his actions and has shown considerable remorse as he let the club and his team mates down. The club do not condone this type of conduct and have imposed an internal fine for him being dismissed from the field of play.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Graded at Grade D:
• Officials Report indicates use of Foul & Abusive Language directly towards the official
• Questioning the integrity of a Match Official is serious matter
• Respect of Match Officials is an integral to the game of Rugby League
• Use of foul and abusive language towards an official
• Use of the word cheat
• Resulted in this matter being graded at Grade D

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Player accepts his guilt and has been subject to an internal club fine for his conduct. The club do not condone this behaviour. The player has apologised to the club and his teammates.

Aggravating Factors:

21/06/19 – Punching (Grade A, 1 match)
14/02/19 – Punching (Grade A)
12/04/18 – Disputes Decision (Grade A)

Reasons for Decision:

This was a case of direct abuse towards a Match Official and in addition questioning his personal integrity by using the word cheat.

This is a matter that this Tribunal take very seriously. The player has pleaded guilty, has been subject to an internal fine by the club and he has shown remorse. It is also noted that the club do not condone this type of conduct.

In deciding the appropriate sanction this Tribunal note that the player has a previous record for abuse and two minor offence of punching.

Taking into account all the circumstances this Tribunal feel that a 4 match suspension and a £250 fine are appropriate.

Suspension:

4 matches