Case Number:

ON/11/21

Jamie Murphy #33, West Wales

Competition:

Challenge Cup

Match:

West Wales v Widnes

Match Date:

2021-03-20

Incident:

Dangerous throw in the 18th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (d)
Grade E – Dangerous Throw - Throwing player into ground

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

5-8

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 25th March, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(d) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 18th minute of the above Match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion, you lifted your opponent into a dangerous position and threw him to the ground. The opponent landed on his head/neck/spinal column. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause your opponent an injury and were against the true spirit of the game and constitute Misconduct.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade E offence (Dangerous Throw – throwing player into ground) In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is 4-8 matches.

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

Via his written statement the player offered his apologies to his opponent. He stated he had never performed a tackle like this before and it what not in his nature to do so after playing semi-professionally for 13 years.

He admitted that the tackle was clumsy and took full ownership for it. He also stated he did receive an injury to his face earlier in the game that could have led to a bit of blurred vision, however, he was not trying to make excuses.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in approx. 18th minute
• Player was dismissed following the incident
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Murphy completes this tackle.
• Player initiates low contact around the mid rift and thighs of attacker who has stepped back on the inside
• Attacker taken into a dangerous position and twisted over in mid-air.
• Player then throws opponent to the ground
• Players right elbow is pointed to the sky and opponent’s hips are above his head
• Attacker’s top of back and neck make contact with the ground.
• Serious risk of injury, due to this dangerous action.
• MRP not suggestion this is an intentional or malicious act. No suggestion this was a ‘spear’ tackle
• This was extremely reckless and dangerous.
• Grade E due to:
- Unnecessary nature of the upwards lifting motion
- Attacker placed in very dangerous position
- Player throws opponent when as opponent is twisted over
- Attacker’s neck and top of back makes contact with the ground

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal note the submissions from the Compliance Manager ha have read the written submissions from the player.

The note the plea of guilt in the statement and are aware there is no challenge to the grading of the incident either.

The Tribunal are in agreement that the grading is indeed correct. They therefore feel a 5 match suspension is appropriate. The player will also be fined £75.

Suspension:

5 matches