Case Number:

ON/982/25

Ben Garcia #9, Catalans

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Hull KR v Catalans Dragons

Match Date:

2025-06-13

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Other Striking Offences

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 16th June 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 approx. 29 48 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have open-handed struck one opposing player in the head and continued to punch a second opposing player in the head. In the Panel’s opinion, they believed 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 – Other Striking Offences.

The starting suspension range for such an offence is 36 points plus (6 match suspension).
• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident in the above match.

• Mr Garcia was dismissed because of his actions.

• The referees report stated that, “On approximately the 25th min of the game, Hull KR were in possession around 5m from the Catalans goal line. Catalans number 9, Ben Garcia and a Hull KR player came together in back play. Garcia threw two punches towards Hull KR players. This then brought players from both teams together. After separating the teams, I decided to dismiss Garcia from the field of play. And resume with a penalty to Hull KR.”

• The footage clearly shows Mr Garcia throwing an open-handed strike to the head area of one opposing player.

• The footage goes on to show Mr Garcia throwing a punch at the head area of a second opposing player.

• 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 Alex Chan (Football Manager) & Damian Irvine. Player pleads guilty.

DI stated that they challenge they grading of the charge, arguing that the mitigation was not taken into account and that Grade E was too severe for the incident.

BG’s actions were provoked by an opponent’s initial contact which involved a strong shove and an elbow. He contended that this provocation should be considered in the grading of the charge.

DI added that he felt the second incident was a clear case of self-defence, as BG was rushed by multiple opposition players aggressively. He requested the panel consider this factor in their decision, suggesting that the actions were in response to an immediate threat.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

The Compliance Manager confirmed that the MRP was not seeking anything further than the 36 points listed.

He added that due to the players dismissal in the first half this would entitle him to a two-point deduction, reducing the points to 34 and placing the player in the five-match suspension bracket.

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

DI felt that the starting point should be four+ matches as that is where a Grade E charge starts.

He also requested that the mitigation be considered, which could potentially reduce the suspension to three-matches.

Reasons for Decision:

The panel reviewed the footage and heard submissions from both sides. The MRP had identified two strikes, which the player admitted to, a pushing hand motion and a deliberate punch to the head.

The Chair discussed the law regarding self-defence, stating that a person who believes they are under attack is entitled to use reasonable force to defend themselves. However, in this case, the force used by the player was deemed unreasonable.

In relation to the first incident the panel acknowledged some degree of provocation but found the players reaction was unnecessary as he went back to the opponent without reason. It was noted that during the confrontation, opposing players approached the player but did not throw punches, only pushing and shoving. Despite the provocation, the force used by the player was not considered reasonable self-defence. In conclusion the force used by the player in the deliberate punch to the head was not reasonable self-defence, leading to the decision that the charge was correctly graded at Grade E.

With regard to sanction the Chair specified that offence was a Grade E offence, which typically warrants a sanction starting from four-matches upwards.

The Tribunal believe taking all factors into account including penalty points that the appropriate sanction is one of 28 penalty points. This translates to a four-match suspension and is accompanied by the appropriate fine.

Suspension:

4 matches