Case Number:

ON/240/20

Oliver Partington #17, Wigan

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Wigan v Hull KR

Match Date:

2020-03-08

Incident:

Dangerous Contact in the 64th minute (Mulhern)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(i)
Detail – Detail – A defending player, in effecting a tackle, makes dangerous contact (either direct or indirect), or uses a technique which is likely to make dangerous contact (either direct or indirect), with the supporting leg or legs of an attacking player who is being held in the tackle by a defender(s), and who is deemed to be in a vulnerable position, in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.
Grade – D

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty plea but challenge the level of grading

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 9th March, 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 approximately the 64th minute of the above Match. In the Panel’s opinion during making a tackle you made dangerous contact on an opponent (Mulhern) who was held in a vulnerable position. 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 D offence (Dangerous Contact - A defending player, in effecting a tackle, makes dangerous contact (either direct or indirect), or uses a technique which is likely to make dangerous contact (either direct or indirect), with the supporting leg or legs of an attacking player who is being held in the tackle by a defender(s), and who is deemed to be in a vulnerable position, in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player). In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is 3 - 5 matches.

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

Player accompanied by Head Coach Adrian Lam. Player pleads guilty but challenged the grading.

Mr Lam explained that he does not coach players to make this type of tackle. In this instance the player was third man into the tackle in an effort to rescue the tackle. His first point of contact is mid-thigh and it is accepted as the tackle continues it goes wrong.

This was more accidental that intentional and there was no intent to injure the opponent. There is nothing to say the injury that occurred to the opponent was caused by this tackle as it could have happened in a tackle later in the game.

The player apologised for his actions in the tackle. He had no intent to injure his opponent and has demonstrated considerable remorse.

The RFL introduced a comparison clip of a similar tackle which was also graded the same as the charge being discussed. Mr Lam argued that this tackle was more accidental than intentional.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have carefully listened to the submissions made by the player and his representative and viewed the both the footage of this incident and the comparable clip.

The Tribunal are satisfied the player did not make the tackle with the intent to injure his opponent, however, they do feel that it was a reckless tackle on an opponent who was in a vulnerable position. Forceful contact was made to the standing leg and this had the potential to cause serious injury. The Tribunal are therefore satisfied that the grading at Grade D is correct.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Grade D due to:
• Opponent trapped in vulnerable position due to other tackler, which is visible to player.
• Player could use other safe techniques in which to bring opponent to ground/complete tackle
• Has time to make a more considered, safer approach with less speed and force
• Use of body weight
• Should be aware front on approach may result in any contact result in opponent’s joints going against natural range of movement
• Unacceptable risk of injury
• Hits standing leg of opponent
• Opponent cannot evade dangerous contact against knee joint from position in
• Technique employed is highly reckless

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Player accepts his guilt and has apologised. He has also shown considerable remorse. He has made over 800 tackles in his career and has no similar offences.

Aggravating Factors:

2018 – Drops knee on opponent (Grade B 1 match)
2019 – Strikes – one on one (Grade A 1 match)
2019 – Strikes – Reckless (Grade A 1 match)

Reasons for Decision:

In deciding the appropriate sanction the Tribunal note the player has a previous disciplinary record but nothing of a similar nature.

It is noted the player has made a large number of tackles during his playing career. The player has accepted his guilt and demonstrated remorse.

This Tribunal are satisfied this was a reckless tackle with potential for serious injury but are not satisfied this tackle was responsible for the injury sustained by the opponent.

They therefore impose a 4 match suspension and a £500 fine.

Suspension:

4 matches