Case Number:

ON/1385/22

Jordan Thompson #21, Workington

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Sheffield v Workington

Match Date:

2022-07-24

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Strikes – Punching - Reaction to opponent – lashing out -– makes contact with Head of opponent

Grade D

Fine:

£50

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 28 July 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 35 50. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you threw a punch which connected with the head of the opponent after they aggressively contacted you. The Panel believe that your actions were unnecessary, against the spirit of the game and had the potential to injure your opponent.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence in breach of Law 15.1(a) – Strikes – Punching - Reaction to opponent – lashing out -– makes contact with Head of opponent.

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

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the Sheffield and Workington match.
• Player is dismissed following the incident.
• Upon completion of the tackle, Mr Thomson is involved in a confrontation with an opponent.
• The opponents team mate then runs in an aggressive manner and body checks Mr Thomson.
• Mr Thomson reacts by throwing a punch which connects with the head area of the opponent.
• The opponent reacts by throwing a punch however does not connect.
• The incident results in a melee however footage does not show any further punches thrown.
• Actions have the potential for injury.

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

Player in attendance and pleads guilty to the charge.

JT informed the pane that there was no excuse for his re-action. He explained that he had been involved in the previous tackle and had suffered the opponent putting his hands in his face whilst in the ruck which led to an altercation with that opponent. It was following this that another opponent ran in to get involved to who he instinctively reacted to.

He added he had a good record and regrets his actions.

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:
- One Punch thrown that connects with the head area.
- There are not numerous punches thrown in this instance.
- Punch is one of a forceful nature.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage and listened to the submissions made by both sides.

The are in agreement that this was an intentional punch to the head of the opponent and that the grading of the offence is correct.

They do however note the players plea of guilt and also feel that he was subject to two forms of provocation before he reacted. They are also aware of the players previous clean disciplinary record.

They therefore feel that they can go towards the lower end of the grade and therefore suspend the player for 3-matches. Taking into account the financial situation that the club finds itself they are feel they can amend the fine to £50 in this instance, however, this is not to be a precedent.

Suspension:

3 matches