Case Number:

ON/1593/25

Jack Ashworth #17, Hull FC

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Hull KR v Hull FC

Match Date:

2025-09-07

Incident:

Striking

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Other Striking Offences

Grade E

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 8th September 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 48 49 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have intentionally struck your opponent in the head with your arm. 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 – Other Striking Offences

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.

• Mr Ashworth is involved in a tackle on his opponent Mr Lewis.

• With the tackle complete, the footage clearly shows in the view of the Match Review Panel that Mr Ashworth takes his arm away from his body and projects his forearm/elbow, making significant contact with the side of Mr Lewis face.

• The Match Review Panel are of the view this was a deliberate act.

• A violent strike of this nature the Match Review Panel would argue is akin to a punch/kick/headbutt or other similar actions.

• It is an act which sits outside of playing the sport of Rugby League.

• Grade E due to:
- Violent, unnecessary actions.
- Potential for injury. Area of concern for the game
- Vulnerability of opponent
- 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 admits charge. Game was a “derby” similar incident throughout the game but no excuse. Not the image of himself he wants to portray to the sport.

His performance early in the game was not good and he was working hard to improve his performance but tried too hard.

John Cartwright spoke of the player’s remorse immediately after the game and again at the team review where he apologised to his teammate.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

Not the behaviour the sport wants to see and Mr Ashworth’s frustrations with his own performance should not have been taken out on an opponent.

7 matches (40 penalty points).