Case Number:

ON/1680/19

Matthew Wright #11, Newcastle

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Newcastle v Doncaster

Match Date:

2019-09-15

Incident:

High tackle in the 28th minute (Halliday)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(b)
Detail – Intentional – stiff arm tackle – no attempt to tackle legitimately – violent
Grade – D

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 16th September, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 28th minute of the above Match. You were temporarily dismissed following this incident. In the Panel’s opinion, you promoted your arm towards the head and neck area of your opponent (Halliday) and made contact. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and caused your opponent injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence (Intentional – stiff arm tackle – no attempt to tackle legitimately – violent). In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is 3 to 5 matches.

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

Player represented over the phone by Director of Rugby Denis Betts. Guilty plea entered on behalf of the player.

The arm of the player initially made contact with the opponents shoulder and then made contact with the head. It is accepted this was a loose tackle and had the potential to cause injury.

This action is out of character for the player who has accepted his guilt, shown remorse and apologised to his opponent. It was felt it was more of a clumsy tackle than reckless.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

MRP were concerned by the conduct of Mr Wright which led to his temporary dismissal.

The incident occurs in the 28th minute. The opponent does not deviate or dip into contact. The player makes contact on the opponents head and neck with force.

The MRP felt Grade D was appropriate due to:
• Arm is pulled back
• Arm is promoted in an upward trajectory towards the head of opponent
• No attempt to tackle
• Point of contact
• Force used
• Injury sustained

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Out of character. Only one previous incident from Australia after playing over 150 career players.

Accepted guilt, shown remorse and apologised to opponent.

Aggravating Factors:

23/03/2019 – Dangerous Contact (no matches)

Reasons for Decision:

In deciding the sanction this Tribunal take into consideration the players guilty plea, the remorse shown and the apology to the opponent.

This was graded correctly at Grade D. This type of contact has the potential for serious injury and this tribunal feel that a 4 match suspension and a £75 fine are appropriate.

Suspension:

4 matches