Case Number:

ON/1719/26

Bella Clarke #18, York

Competition:

Womens Super League

Match:

St Helens v York Valkyrie

Match Date:

2026-08-16

Incident:

Multiple punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Other Contrary Behaviour

Grade F

Sanctions:

36 Penalty Points

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 20th August 2026, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approx. 01 07 00 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have thrown multiple punches at different stages of the melee and also violently pulled opponent’s hair. In the Panel’s opinion, they believed your actions to be 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 F offence – Other Contrary Behaviour

The usual Penalty Points for such an offence is 36 Penalty Points.

• The Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the above match where Miss Clarke was dismissed from the field of play.
• After a tackle which Miss Clarke is involved, she can be seen to throw multiple punches towards her opponent who is on the ground.
• Miss Clarke’s involvement does not stop here, and she is involved again throwing multiple punches and also violent hair pulling.
• The player is undoubtedly the worst offender in this ugly incident within the match.
• It is the view of the Match Review Panel that the player has lost control and that her actions should be treated more severely than the others who were punished within the match hence why the Penalty Notice has been withdrawn.
• The Match Review Panel would ask that the Tribunal give consideration to an 8-match suspension for Miss Clarke.

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

Player not in attendance, however, a letter was submitted and confirmed a Guilty plea.

The letter also confirmed the player took full responsibility for her actions and fell below the expected standards. Several mitigating factors were also put forward.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have reviewed the case which involved and are in agreement with the suggesting from the Compliance Manager that the players conduct warranted an 8-match suspension.

However, having read the mitigation put forward by the player they were in agreement that this proposed sanction should be reduced.

The player will therefore be suspended for a total of 5-matches and 31 penalty points will be added to her disciplinary record.

Suspension:

5 matches