Case Number:

ON/009/25

Oliver Metcalfe #12, Maryport

Competition:

Challenge Cup

Match:

Crosfields v Maryport

Match Date:

2025-01-18

Incident:

Striking

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Punching –makes contact with an opponent (but not the head of the opponent)

Grade E

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 23 00 match time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have punched your opponent in the chest. 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 an opponent (but not the head of the opponent).

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

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

• Mr Metcalfe was temporarily dismissed because of his actions.

• The referees report stated that, “Mr Metcalfe was defending in a tackle. Following the PTB, Mr Metcalfe and the attacker was pushing each other. Mr Metcalfe stood from the floor and threw a punch at the Crosfields player. Contact was with the chest of the Crosfields man. When I split them, I temporarily dismissed Mr Metcalfe.”

• The Match Review Panel have no footage available to review the incident but have no reason to disbelieve the referees report.

• 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 not in attendance but sent in letter. Player pleads guilty.

OM expressed his apologies for his conduct. It was never his intention to react in the manner he did and he deeply regrets his actions. It was a heat of the moment reaction and he lost his composure, following an incident which saw him being taken off his feet by an opponent in the process of being tackled.

He added that he understood the importance of maintaining discipline and his is committed to learning from this experience so it does not happen again. This was the first time he had been sin binned.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions.

They note the guilty plea by the player and note that just a single punch was thrown and contact was made to the chest of the opponent.

Taking everything into account the Tribunal feel they can go to the lowest end of the grade. They therefore suspend the player for 4 matches.

Suspension:

4 matches