Case Number:

ON/125/20

Harrison Hansen #16, Toulouse

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Sheffield v Toulouse

Match Date:

2020-02-16

Incident:

Contact with the head in the 76th minute (Dixon)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(b)
Detail – Other tackling offences
Grade – B

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

1 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Not Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 20th February 2020, 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 76th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion you made contact with your opponent (Dixon) after the ball had been passed making contact with the head to the head of opponent. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade B offence (Other tackling offences). The normal suspension range for such offence is from a 1 – 2 match suspension.

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

Player joined the hearing over the phone alongside Sylvain Houles (Head Coach) and Cedric Garcia (CEO).

They feel that the player comes out of the line at speed, is fully committed to making the tackle and is unaware that the opponent has passed the ball at the moment of impact. They feel the player is in his last step before contact and that at this late stage there is no possibility to adapt.

They believe the player makes initial contact with the chest (so not high) of the opponent, whilst his arms are open and he is making a wrapping motion (not a shoulder charge). They believe that the resulting clash of heads between the players was an unfortunate accident that can sometimes happen in a contact sport. They then mention a similar incident (Springer & Isa – Wigan v Toronto) which was not charged by the MRP.

The player informed the panel that he was looking to make strong tackle, potentially looking to cause his opponent to spill the ball. He said that he had made sure his head was to the side and that he was leading with his shoulder and arms. About a foot away from contact the opponent passed the ball and he had no way to pull out as he was fully committed. He added that he was certain that he hit him with his shoulder just under the hip, however, the resulting force and speed involved meant that the players clashed heads. He added he thought it was an unfortunate accident and that he had no intention of making head to head contact.

Decision:

Guilty

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal accept that this was a genuine attempt to close a player down and there was no intent to cause injury, however, they feel that the player should have gone into contact lower or more to the side of the opponent.

The appreciate that the player was making a legitimate attempt to tackle but approaching at such a speed creates an obvious risk. In summary the two main points the panel feel contributed were the speed used and the point of contact which was high and front on. Once the above happened head contact was inevitable and as such there was a reckless element to this challenge.

They therefore feel that the charge is proved.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Player charged under RFL Rule 15.1(b) – Other tackling offences
• Incident occurred in the 76th minute of the match. Player temporarily dismissed
• Mr Hansen approaches contact recklessly
• Mr Hansen does not make adaptations to approach
• Direct contact from head of Player to head of opponent
• Graded B due to;
- Reckless approach due to force and speed of contact
- Contact with the head

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

The player and club feel that this was not an unreasonable challenge and reiterated their points made earlier.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal feel that this was not an unreasonable challenge to the imposed penalty notice.

They therefore confirm that the 1-match suspension should remain in place and that the player will also receive the standard fine for a player at this level of £250. The club will also forfeit the £250 bond they lodge for bringing the challenge.

Suspension:

1 match