Case Number:

ON/068/22

Dan Parker #11, Keighley

Competition:

Challenge Cup

Match:

Hunslet v Keighley

Match Date:

2022-01-30

Incident:

Professional foul and strike on person without the ball in the 68th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Other Contrary Behaviour

Grade D

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 3rd February 2022, 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 68th minute of the above Match. You were sin binned following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you made unnecessary contact in the back of the opponent as you retreated back to the defensive line. The Panel believe that your actions were unnecessary, against the spirit of the game and had the potential to injure your opponent.


In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence - Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game - Other Contrary Behaviour. The normal suspension range for such offence is 3 to 5 matches.

• Incident occurs in approximately the 68th minute
• Player is sin binned following the incident
• Opposition have made a break down field
• Player is in an offside position in back play upon completion of the tackle
• Opponent is walking back to his position in the attacking line
• There are no sudden movements by the opponent. The player can see his opponent’s position at all times
• Player then forcefully thrusts his shoulder into the back of his opponent as he returns to the defensive line
• The nature of the contact is unnecessary and avoidable
• There is significant flexion of the opponent’s head and neck area
• Grade D due to:
- Intentional act
- Acts such as these have no place on a Rugby League pitch
- Brings the game into disrepute
- Potential for serious injury
- No duty of care for opponent

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

DP in attendance alongside Andrew Henderson (Head of Rugby) and pleads guilty.

DP explained he had played the game from the start and was fatigued as the incident happened in the 68th minute. He was focussed on trying to get back into the defensive line and there was no intent to hurst his opponent. He apologises for his actions.

AH added that they accepted the charge and also would not challenge the grading.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Aggravating Factors:

15/08/19 – Punching – Grade B (2 matches)
27/09/18 – Dangerous Throw – Grade C (2 matches)
05/07/18 – High Tackle – Grade B (1 match)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage and thank both sides for their submissions.

The note the guilty plea from the player and have taken into account his previous record. They therefore feel a 4 match suspension and £75 fine are appropriate.

Suspension:

4 matches