Case Number:

ON/236/22

Luke Gale #7, Hull FC

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Hull FC v St Helens

Match Date:

2022-02-19

Incident:

High studs at 31:46

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1(i)

Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game (includes Dangerous Contact) - Other contrary behaviour

Grade D

Fine:

£500

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 21st February 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at Opta time 31:46 of the above Match. You were sent off following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion, you made contact with your opponent’s leg with your studs. The Panel believed that your actions had the potential to cause your opponent an injury and constitute Misconduct.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence – Law 15.1(i) – Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game (includes Dangerous Contact) - Other contrary behaviour.

The normal suspension range for such offence is from 3 to 5 matches.

• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Gale makes contact with his opponent
• Player was dismissed in the 29th minute
• Mr Lomax can be seen to kick the ball downfield
• Mr Gale can be seen coming towards the opponent
• The player’s leg is high and unnatural as he is coming towards his opponent, studs clearly showing
• The player is coming at speed towards the opponent
• There is clear contact with the bottom of the opponent’s right leg
• The opponent immediately goes to ground with an apparent injury to his right leg
• The MRP submit there are no instances within the sport of Rugby League involving a defender where the leg should be raised in such a manner
• Act is not deliberate, however is highly reckless – obvious risk that acting in this manner would cause the result that followed
• Players have a duty of care to their opponents
• Given the height of the leg, the danger caused by the studs, the speed of approach and the resulting contact on the opponent, the MRP felt this should be determined as a Grade D Other Contrary Behaviour
• The MRP do not feel there is another charge where such a particular instance could be categorised

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

LG in attendance alongside James Clark (CEO) and Gordon Sewell (Legal Rep) and pleads guilty.

JC explained that the player accepted his guilt and was aware his actions were not appropriate. He felt that he got it wrong when trying to block a kick but did feel that any suspension should be at the lower end of the grade.

There was no malice involved and contact was accidental and also marginal. LG had apologised to his opponent and expressed his remorse. The club do not feel that this was a reckless act but was more of a careless one. The opponent was able to carry on in match and is available to play again this weekend.

LG then talked the panel through the incident. He admitted that his actions were wrong although he explained that he was trying to put pressure on the kicker and thought that he could block the ball.

He said he had a 15-year professional career, and his actions were not deliberate. He would never try and injure an opponent and he was good friends with the opponent in question having played for England alongside him.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade D due to:
- Highly reckless act
- Use of boot/studs in a tackle situation
- Potential for serious injury
- Failed in duty of care owed to opponent

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

The club did not feel that this was a reckless act and feel that contact with the opponent was marginal. Contact was to the lower leg of the opponent and not the head or neck and that this should be deemed careless.

The player had played over 350 games as a professional and this is the first time he has ever been sent off.

Aggravating Factors:

03/08/21 – Contact with a MO (Grade A – 1 match)
28/06/21 – Punching (Grade C – 2 matches)
18/08/20 – Dangerous Throw (Grade A – 0 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions.

Having looked at the footage the Tribunal are of the opinion that whilst there was little force and no intent used this was still a reckless act, indeed they feel it was only good luck which meant that the contact was only marginal.

The Tribunal feel that the grading of this charge is correct at Grade D and the incident certainly had the potential to cause injury to the opponent.

Following submissions from both parties the Tribunal agreed to hear both this charge and a second one from the player (ON/237/22) as part of the same hearing. Following mitigation from the club the suspension will be the totality of the two charges.

Given the Tribunal agreed to provide one sanction for both incidents given that they occur within the same overall incident, the Tribunal believe that an overall sanction of 5 matches should be imposed for both offences.

Suspension:

5 matches