Case Number:

ON/1468/25

Logan Blacker #1, Huddersfield

Competition:

Academy

Match:

Huddersfield Giants v Warrington Wolves

Match Date:

2025-08-23

Incident:

Unacceptable Language

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (f)

Verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Language and/or Behaviour

Grade E

Fine:

£50

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 28th August 2025, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(f) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 42 35 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have used Unacceptable Language. The referees report stated that “At a scrum not long before half time Huddersfield number 1 Logan Blacker (LB) said "Tackle this fucking midget here" in reference to Warrington number 6 Junior Westwood, who is short in stature. I felt the term was possibly offensive but was not certain, so I warned LB at half time not to say it again. Having carried out some research after the game it does appear to be generally accepted that the word 'midget' is an offensive term relating to people with dwarfism. I am therefore citing this incident for the Match Review Panel to determine whether they deem this to be offensive/discriminatory language.” 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 – Verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Language and/or Behaviour.

The starting suspension range for such an offence is 36 points plus (6 matches plus).

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

• The referees report stated that, “At a scrum not long before half time Huddersfield number 1 Logan Blacker (LB) said "Tackle this fucking midget here" in reference to Warrington number 6 Junior Westwood, who is short in stature. I felt the term was possibly offensive but was not certain, so I warned LB at half time not to say it again. Having carried out some research after the game it does appear to be generally accepted that the word 'midget' is an offensive term relating to people with dwarfism. I am therefore citing this incident for the Match Review Panel to determine whether they deem this to be offensive/discriminatory language.”

• The Match Review Panel felt the Player’s actions were unnecessary and against the true spirit of the game and brings the game into disrepute.

• The language used is derogatory and negative - term of abuse and disparagement towards people with dwarfism specifically which is classed as a disability.

• In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel considered that such offence is a Grade E offence in breach of Law 15.1(f) – Verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Behaviour or Language.

• Unacceptable Language further defined in Operational Rules as:
means any comments, threats, chanting, discrimination (direct or indirect), harassment, bullying, victimisation, or incitement to hatred or abuse or any other action (implied, intended, or unintended) which targets individuals or groups on the grounds of: age, colour, ethnic origin, disability (including physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, mental illness or some chronic disease), gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, nationality or national origin political persuasion, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socio economic background or is otherwise in breach of the Respect Policy, Tackle It or the RFL’s Equity Statement.

• Zero Tolerance approach of RFL towards such cases. Harsh sanctions with no exceptions. Pursuant to Zero Tolerance, Disability is a Protected Characteristic in the Equality Act 2010.

• The normal suspension range for such offence is 36 Penalty Points (6 matches) plus.

• Verbal abuse of this nature has no place in the sport of Rugby League or society.

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

Player in attendance alongside Andy Kelly (Director of Rugby). Player pleads Guilty.

LB apologised to everyone concerned regarding the comment. The apology is to everyone who was in earshot of the comment, including the Match Officials and very specifically the opponent. This apology is not issues as a token gesture and is 100% sincere.

LB said he had no idea of the demining and insulting nature of the words used, and more specifically the word “midget.” The comment was made without thought or consideration, and now he has researched it, he understands the depth of the offence and the hurt it can and may have caused.

LB added he was a young player who loves the game and hopes to have a future in it. He would never wittingly and knowingly try to be so deeply offensive. The opponent is a player who he has a lot of respect for.

He concluded by admitting the charge and making the offensive comment.

AK added that the club takes this incident seriously and will implement educational measures on equality, diversity and inclusion for LB and his team. He acknowledged LB’s naivety and lack of understanding of the insults impact.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal note the players plea of guilt and have read his letter and listened to his submissions.

The RFL have a zero-tolerance approach to verbal abuse and unacceptable language. The knowledge, intention or motive of a person making a discriminatory or unacceptable remark is irrelevant.

The panel note that the club have also taken a dim view of what has happened, and that the player has no previous record.

Given the guilty plea and remorse shown the panel feel that the appropriate penalty in this instance is 33 penalty points. This will be a suspension of 5-matches. The player is also fined £50.

Suspension:

5 matches