Case Number:

ON/1145/25

Uili Liu #25, Bradford

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Bradford Bulls v Hunslet RLFC

Match Date:

2025-07-04

Incident:

Punching/Striking

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Punching – makes contact with the head of an opponent

Grade E

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

6+

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 10th July, 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. 01 49 00 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you punched your opponent making contact with the head. In the Panel’s opinion this is serious misconduct, has the potential for serious injury and is 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 is36 Penalty Points plus (6 match suspension plus).
• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident in the above match.

• Mr Liu was dismissed because of his actions.

• The touch judges report who saw Mr Liu’s action stated that, “In approximately the 73rd minute of the game Bradfords Uili Liu and Hunslet’s Sam Webb-Campbell came together in back play which was instigated by Liu pushing Webb- Campbell, Webb Campbell then retaliated to this by throwing a punch at Liu making contact with the head area. Lui then retaliated and threw a punch back making contact with the head area. I reported this to the referee Cameron Worsley and both players was dismissed from the field of play.”

• The Match Review Panel, whilst noting that the touch judge has started Mr Liu was the retaliator, believes that this is only in relation to the punch as it is clear on the footage the Match Review Panel submits that Mr Liu was the instigator.

• The Match Review Panel believe that given the footage and the reports that Mr Liu has punched his opponent to the head in a retaliatory manner.

• 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 and plead guilty via e-mail from club.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage and listened to the submissions made on behalf of the Match Review Panel. They note the plea of guilt entered by the club on the players behalf.

They are in agreement that this incident has been correctly graded and that 36 penalty points should be applied. They take into account the players dismissal in the second half and therefore reduce the sanction by 1 point.

This means the player will be given 35 penalty points for the incident, which results in a five-match suspension and standard fine for the Championship.

Suspension:

5 matches