Case Number:

ON 470/21

Ryan Forshaw #29, Rochdale

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Coventry v Rochdale

Match Date:

2021-05-30

Incident:

Dangerous Throw in the 62nd minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Dangerous Throw – Other Dangerous Throw

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

E

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 3rd June 2021, 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 62nd minute of the above Match. You were sin binned following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you lifted your opponent into a dangerous position and then proceeded to move the player along the ground whilst in the dangerous position. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent serious injury.

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 the ground). The normal suspension range for such offence is from 4 to 8 matches.

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

Player represented by CEO Steve Kerr.

SK informed the tribunal that the player and club do not dispute the assessment of the incident from the Compliance Manager. They feel the incident was not malicious and that that the player has shown remorse for actions.

The player has apologised to both his opponent and the coaching staff and wants to learn from the incident. They agree that the technique used was poor and that the player had the opportunity to change his position but did not do so.

The asked the tribunal to show leniency, expressed the players good previous record and thanked the panel for their time in hearing the case.

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. 62nd minute
• The player was temporarily dismissed following the incident
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Forshaw completes this tackle.
• Player makes first up initial contact and grips attacker behind the opponents right thigh
• Opponent at this stage has got through initial contact of Mr Forshaw and his teammate
• Mr Forshaw at this stage only has contact with the opponents leg and begins to lift his opponent with a grip around the top of his opponents right thigh maintained
• Player extends legs from crouched to straight position
• Attacker taken into a dangerous position with his legs at 90 degrees and his head and neck facing the ground
• Opponent’s hips are above his head
• Player at this stage continues to keep opponent’s legs in the air and force the opponent’s head and neck downwards
• The MRP were concerned that Mr Forshaw seemingly drove downwards when his opponents legs were held high on 3 separate occasions, before releasing the grip
• Attacker then rolls through the tackle
• Serious risk of injury, due to this dangerous action.
• MRP not suggestion this is an intentional or malicious act.
• This was extremely reckless and dangerous.
• Grade E due to:
- Unnecessary nature of the upwards lifting motion
- Attacker placed in very dangerous position
- Carried on driving opponent downwards despite knowing opponent was clearly in a dangerous position
- Potential for serious injury

Aggravating Factors:

11/04/2019 – Punching (0 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have viewed the footage a number of times and listened to submission made from both sides.

They agree that the tackle has the potential to cause injury, however, have noted the remorse shown by the player and noted his apologies.

The panel feel poor technique did contribute to the way the tackle ended and accept that there was no intent, although they do feel that the tackle was highly reckless and dangerous, whilst the player should be aware of the obvious risks.

Players have a duty of case to one another and this incident could have caused serious injury, especially as the player continued in his actions. However, the player has a good previous record and has expressed his remorse. The Tribunal also feel that substantial credit should be given to both the player and club for the way they have conducted themselves.

The Tribunal therefore a 6 match suspension and £75 are appropriate.

Suspension:

6 matches