Case Number:

ON/160/23

David Gibbons #6, North Wales Crusaders

Competition:

League One

Match:

Hunslet v North Wales Crusaders

Match Date:

2023-03-05

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Strikes – Punching - Punching – sustained and, repeated or violent - makes contact with the Head of an opponent

Grade E

Fine:

£112.50

Sanctions:

4-6

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 9th March 2023, 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 1 26 10 Sharepoint footage time of the above match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you have thrown multiple punches, some of which have connected with the head of your opponent. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause injury and are against the true spirit of the game.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade E offence – Strikes – Punching - Punching – sustained and, repeated or violent - makes contact with the Head of an opponent.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 4 to 6 matches.

• Incident occurs at 1 26 10 SharePoint time.

• Mr Gibbons was dismissed because of his actions.

• Following a tackle Mr Gibbons reacts to something which he believes to have occurred and rushes towards his opponent and takes a grip of his opponent pushing him backwards.

• The opponent swings a punch towards Mr Gibbons who reacts by trading punches, throwing three punches, two of which the MRP submit contact the head of the opponent.

• This cannot be a case of self-defence as the player has initiated the confrontation.

• Grade E due to:
- Multiple punches thrown, two of which connect with the head area.
- Potential for injury. Area of concern for the game
- Violent act which brings the sport into disrepute and portrays the game in a negative light.

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

Player not in attendance. Player pleads Guilty to the charge via an e-mail from his club.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thanks the Compliance Manager for his submissions and note that the player has pleaded guilty via an e-mail from his club to the charge.

Taking into account all the evidence the Tribunal have come to the conclusion that the player should be suspended for 5-matches. He will also be fined £112.50.

Suspension:

5 matches