Case Detail
Case Number:
ON/49/21
Lachlan Walmsley #2, Whitehaven
Competition:
Challenge Cup
Match:
Widnes v Whitehaven
Match Date:
2021-03-20
Incident:
Biting in the 29th minute
Decision:
Charge
Charge Detail:
Law 15.1 (i)
Other Contrary Behaviour – Biting
Grade E
Sanctions:
4-8
Decision On Charge
Player plea:
Not Guilty
Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 1st April, 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 29th minute of the above Match. The incident was placed on report. In the Panel’s opinion, after you were tackled by your opponent (Dwyer) you bit him on the finger. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause your opponent an injury, 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 (Behaves in way contrary to the true spirit of the game – Biting). In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is 4 to 8 matches.
• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in approx. 26th minute
• The matter was placed on report
• Player is tackled by opponent to the ground
• Footage demonstrates opponent place his had in the vicinity of the players mouth region
• There is an instant reaction from the opponent
• The opponent confirms the allegation of a bite to the referee
• The referee notes there is blood on the opponents finger and places the incident on report
• Graded E due to;
- Charge starts at Grade E to Grade F
- There does not appear to be a lunge towards the opponent otherwise this would have been graded as an F
- Clear intent due to the nature of the contact – could not be accidental
- No place in the game for such acts
- Brings the game into disrepute
Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Player represented by Director of Rugby Ashley Kilpatrick. Players pleads Not Guilty to the charge.
AK explains that the club felt that the opponent was the aggressor in this incident as he placed his hands in the face of the player. He added that the player was wearing a gum shield and that there was not bite performed by the player.
He concluded that the opponent received no marking to his finger.
Decision:
Not Guilty
Reasons for Decision:
The Tribunal have watched the footage and listened to the submissions from both sides.
They are not satisfied that this alleged offence occurred and are unanimous that the player is Not Guilty.