Case Number:

ON/416/22

Kade Ellis #15, Wigan

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Catalans v Wigan

Match Date:

2022-03-12

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1(a)

Strikes – Punching – sustained and, repeated or violent – makes contact with the Head of an opponent

Grade E

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

4-8

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 14 March 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 at 1:36:39 Opta time of the above Match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you punched repeatedly and violently and made contact with the head of your opponent. 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 E offence (Strikes – Punching – sustained and, repeated or violent – makes contact with the Head of an opponent). The normal suspension range for such offence is a 4 - 8 Match Suspension.

• Incident occurs in approximately the 72nd minute
• Player is sent off following the incident
• Player is tackled by opponent on the ground
• Opponent reacts to this and strikes opponent with a punch to the head
• Player then regains feet and strikes opponent again to the head
• Act is one of a violent nature

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

Player in attendance alongside Matt Peet (Head Coach). Player pleads Guilty to the charge.

They told the Tribunal the player reacted following the actions of the opponent who was tackling him. They believe the opponent had overstepped the by landing forcefully and fully on him with contact in the neck/face area. It was this action the provoked the player, and indeed other teammates, who instantly reacted to the opponents overzealous tackle.

Both acknowledged the obvious unacceptability of punches being thrown on the field of play and understood that the Sentencing Guidelines for this season reflect that.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade E due to:
- Two Punches thrown that connects with the head area
- Punches are forceful and thrown with violent intent
- Potential for injury
- Intentional act
- Actions sit outside what is permitted within the Laws of the Game
- Incident brings the game into disrepute

Aggravating Factors:

14/03/20 – Dangerous Contact (0 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

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

The note the player has accepted his guilt and has also not disputed the grading of the offence.

The Tribunal note that the player had kept hold of his opponent as they rose to their feet before he started punching him more than once in the head area. This was clearly there to be seen on the footage. The player has expressed his contrition for what he had done and had said that he had a good previous disciplinary record. He also added that this behaviour was out of character for him and followed the provocation of an overzealous tackle.

The Tribunal therefore feel the player should be suspended for 5 matches and will be fined £500.

Suspension:

5 matches