Case Number:

ON/1652/22

Brad Fash #17, Hull FC

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Salford v Hull FC

Match Date:

2022-08-25

Incident:

Late hit on passer at 09:40 SharePoint time

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Dangerous Contact - A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.

Grade B

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

2 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty but challenge the grading

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 26th August 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 0:09:40 Opta time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you contacted your opponent after they had released the ball causing flexion to the head and neck. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence – A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.

The normal suspension range for such offence is from 1 to 2 matches.

• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Fash makes contact with his opponent.
• Opponent Mr Sneyd takes ball forward then moves laterally before releasing the ball.
• Player makes decision to come out of the line at speed towards the opponent.
• Mr Fash can clearly see opponent has released the ball however carries on into contact.
• Player makes no attempt to wrap the ball. There is no attempt to make a tackle.
• The contact is forceful and in the back. Significant flexion of the head/neck area.
• This contact was reckless and dangerous.
• Potential for injury.

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

The player was in attendance alongside James Clark (CEO) and Brett Hodgson (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

The Tribunal heard submissions from the player, JC and BH in which it was stressed that the player had little time to alter his movement. There was a disagreement about the amount of force used and a comparable clip was shown (Taylor – Salford v St Helens – Grade A).

Decision:

Guilty plea

Reasons for Decision:

It was the decision of the Tribunal that we were satisfied on closer inspection of the clips that there was more flexion of the head and neck in the instant case than in the comparable clip used by the club.

In addition, in the comparable clip the offending player only had to move five yards in order to connect with his opposing player where is in this case BF has come from a much further distance away and had built up significant speed at the time of impact.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Graded B due to;
- Late contact
- No attempt to tackle
- Significant force
- Potential for injury

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal believed BF committed to a bodycheck and did nothing to lessen the impact.

As such, the Tribunal felt that the decision of the Match Review Panel was correct in given a Grade B charge and two match suspension.

Despite assertions by the RFL that this was a frivolous claim the Tribunal disagreed, and the player was fined an additional £500, and the club lost its £500 bond.

Suspension:

2 matches