Case Detail
Case Number:
ON/070/22
Kyle Kesik #9, Keighley
Competition:
Challenge Cup
Match:
Hunslet v Keighley
Match Date:
2022-01-30
Incident:
Knees in the head in the 78th minute
Decision:
Charge
Charge Detail:
Law 15.1 (a)
Strikes - Knees – makes light contact
Grade C
Sanctions:
2 Match Penalty Notice
Decision On Charge
Player plea:
Not 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(a) during the above Match.
The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 38th minute of the above Match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you pushed your knee into the head/neck area of your opponent. The Panel believed that your actions 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 C offence – Strikes - Knees – makes light contact
The normal suspension range for such offence is from 2 to 3 matches.
• Incident occurs in approximately the 78th minute
• Player is dismissed following the incident
• The player completes a low tackle on his opponent
• Player and opponent engage in some shoving whilst on the floor
• As player regains his feet, the player moves his knee towards the direction of the opponents head
• Referee is in close proximity and has an unobstructed view
• Report states the following:
- In approximately the 78th minute of the game. Hunslet were in possession of the ball. I had just penalised Keighley and as I am walking over to award the penalty at the mark. Kyle Kesik deliberately walks through where the Hunslet man is down on his knees and Kesik deliberately kneed him to the head. I immediately dismissed him from the game.
• The nature of the contact is unnecessary and avoidable
• Grade C due to:
- Intentional act
- Brings the game into disrepute
- Potential for injury
- No duty of care for opponent
Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
KK in attendance alongside Andrew Henderson (Head of Rugby) and pleads Not Guilty.
KK explained that he was trying to get up from the tackle and that his legs got tangled up with his opponent. He pushed up to move away and wasn’t aware of any contact that was made. The opponent did not suffer any injury and received no treatment following the incident. He explained he did not remonstrate following his dismissal as he was captain and felt he should react in the right manner in front of his teammates.
AH added that he felt KK stumbled as he was trying to get up.
The Referee was also asked for his thoughts about the incident.
Decision:
Not Guilty
Reasons for Decision:
The Tribunal have listened to the submissions from both sides, watched the footage and heard from the Referee.
Whilst they are sure that the Referee felt contact was made from his position there is no reaction from the opponent, and they feel there is not enough evidence to charge the player.
They therefore find him Not Guilty.