Case Number:

ON/007/25

Connor Wynne #2, Featherstone

Competition:

Warm Up Matches

Match:

Featherstone Rovers v Goole Vikings

Match Date:

2025-01-14

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Laws 15.1 (a)

Punching– makes contact with the head of an opponent

Grade E

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

4+

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 27th January 2025, 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 01 07 54 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have punched your opponent twice in the head The Panel believe your actions were serious misconduct and against the 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 – Punching– makes contact with the head of an opponent

The normal suspension range for such offence is 4 matches plus.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident in the above match.

• Mr Wynne was dismissed because of his actions.

• The referees report stated that, “After a completed tackle, the defender and player in possession of the ball were tangled which started an incident of pushing and shoving. This escalated into a fight in which both players threw punches towards one another. After the players were separated, i dismissed the player in question.”

• The footage clearly shows Mr Wynne throwing 2 punches to the head area.

• Grade E due to:
- Violent, unnecessary actions.
- 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 in attendance alongside Martin Vickers (CEO) and James Ford (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty.

MV explained that the player was provoked by some of the most extreme kind of violence that could be shown on the field and it was it was clear he was provoked.

The player has been working really hard of his discipline with JF and MV had seen on many occasions instances of him restraining himself and holding back from any kind of provocation, because he had probably been targeted in the past.

The player has been unequivocal about it ever since it happened. This wasn’t a fistfight; this was somebody reacting under extreme provocation.

The player is absolutely pleading guilty; however, the mitigation is that this was an extreme form of violence against him.

JF then talked the panel through the incident. He has worked with the player over the last 18 months on his minor displays of petulance, but on this occasion, he supports him to a degree. Whilst he is guilty of throwing two punches, under no circumstances should any player go on a pitch and contemplate being bit.

CW then addressed the panel. He admitted his actions were not acceptable, however, it was an instant reaction to having his finger bitten.

He questioned how other people would have reacted to being in the situation and that he does not go to play the game to be bitten. He added he had received medical treatment since the incident.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

It seems to the Tribunal that this is on the cusp between retaliation – calculated or intentional behaviour in response to foul play against him – and provocation which would be a mitigating feature. Defined as an immediate reaction to foul play (which may be seen as self-defence).

The Tribunal take the view that it is between the two. Mr Wynne was undoubtedly bitten and there can be no place for that. However, he responded in order to mete out punishment for what the opponent had done.

Self-policing with blows to the head is not acceptable. Blows to the head are not acceptable. Accordingly, we take the view that the minimum sentence is the appropriate one in this case.

Mr Wynne is therefore suspended for 6 matches.

Suspension:

6 matches