Case Detail
Case Number:
ON/199/20
Joel Farrell #12, Sheffield
Competition:
Championship
Match:
Batley v Sheffield
Match Date:
2020-03-01
Incident:
Dissent in the 35th minute
Decision:
Charge
Charge Detail:
Rule – 15.1(f)
Detail – Uses foul and abusive language towards a Match Official
Grade – B
Sanctions:
1 Match Penalty Notice
Decision On Charge
Player plea:
Not Guilty
Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 5th March 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 35th minute of the above Match. You were temporarily dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you used words which constitute foul and abusive language towards a Match Official. Specifically, you used words including “Of course you gave a 20, you’re shit!’ The Panel consider that your actions are contrary to the 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 B offence (Uses offensive or obscene language – Foul and/or abusive language towards a Match Official) The normal suspension range for such offence is from a 1 – 2 match suspension.
Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Player accompanied by Assistant Coach Keith Senior. Player pleads Not Guilty.
Player accepts that he did use a swear word on the pitch due to his frustration to a decision that went against him, however, this was due to his own frustration and was not directed at any official.
The player was chasing a kick down and thought he had touched down to score. The Touch Judge made an initial incorrect decision. The comment was made but not directed at the official.
Decision:
Not Guilty
Reasons for Decision:
The Tribunal have carefully watched and listened to the footage of this incident and heard verbally by phone from the Touch Judge and the Referee.
The Touch Judge indicates that the abuse was directed at him, whilst the Referee did not hear any of the comments and only reported what the Touch Judge had told him. The Tough Judge concedes he initially made an incorrect decision prior to the words being directed at him.
Having listened to the submissions made by the player and watched the footage this Tribunal can understand why this matter was brought before them. However, they have to be comfortably satisfied that this player did use foul and abusive language which was directed at a Match Official. In this instance this Tribunal are not satisfied and find the player not guilty.