Case Number:

ON/204/22

David Foggin-Johnston #19, Bradford

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Leigh v Bradford

Match Date:

2022-02-14

Incident:

High tackle at 1 27 12

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1(b)

High tackle – Intentional – stiff arm tackle – no attempt to tackle legitimately - violent

Grade E

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

4-8

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenging the grading

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 17th February 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 1 27 12 at Sharepoint footage the above Match. You were sent off following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion, you made direct contact with the head of your opponent. 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 – High tackle – Intentional – stiff arm tackle – no attempt to tackle legitimately - violent

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

• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Foggin-Johnston makes contact with his opponent.
• The player was dismissed following the incident
• Player is coming across towards his opponent who is breaking down field
• Coming into contact the player is off his feet and swings a stiff arm
• Contact is direct with the opponent’s head
• The blow was delivered with significant force
• Given where the players arm is it cannot be classed as a legitimate tackle
• The MRP believe the act to be one of an intentional nature
• Potential for serious injury. Opponent is removed from the field of play.

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

Player represented by John Kear (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

JK informed the panel that the player made the tackle at speed as he came across to make a tackle following a break by the opponent and he was flat footed when making it. He believed this was reckless but not intentional. He immediately checked on his opponent following the tackle.

The player had supplied a statement to the panel which expressed his remorse for the incident, and this was fully supported by JK.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Graded E due to;
- Intentional act
- Stiff arm used
- Forceful impact direct to the opponent’s head
- Potential for serious injury. Opponent is taken from the field of play.
- Duty of care owed to opponent

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

The player is of good character and has a clean disciplinary record. He has expressed remorse for the incident.

Reasons for Decision:

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

They agree that the grading of Grade E is indeed correct. They do however note the players guilty plea and also the remorse he has shown following the incident. They also take into account his previously clean disciplinary record.

They therefore feel a 5-match suspension and £250 fine are appropriate.

Suspension:

5 matches