Case Number:

ON/912/22

Mikey Wood #17, Sheffield

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Halifax Panthers v Sheffield Eagles

Match Date:

2022-05-15

Incident:

Brawl

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Running In and Punching – makes contact with Head of opponent

Grade F

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

8+

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Not Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 19 May 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 01:37:11 SharePoint time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you became involved in an incident and punched an opponent during the course of a match, making 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 F offence in breach of Law 15.1(a) – Punching/Other Striking Offences – Punched an opponent during the course of a match, making contact with the head.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 8+ matches or period of suspension.

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

Player in attendance alongside Ged Corcoran (Assistant Coach). Player pleads Not Guilty.

GC explained that the player did not throw a punch. He felt the player was entering a melee to try and separate the players from both sides.

The player had no intention to strike his opponent and any contact that was made came with the back of his hand.

MW then addressed the panel. He talked through the incident and also added that he was of good character and had a clean previous disciplinary record.

Decision:

Guilty

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have listened to the submissions from both sides and also watched the footage several times.

They are satisfied that the player did not throw a punch, however, they do believe that the player intentionally ran into a melee that did not concern him. Once he had entered the melee the Tribunal find that he did strike an opponent to the head with his arm.

The Tribunal therefore amend the charge to “Strikes with hand, arm or shoulder – intentional.”

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 at 1 37 11 of the footage time.
• The footage shows opponent get involved in an exchange with players team mate.
• Mr Wood runs a considerable distance into the melee.
• The opponent is not looking at the player coming in as involved with the players team mate so is vulnerable.
• Player comes in with outstretched arm which closes into a fist.
• Contact is with the face of the opponent
• There is potential for such incidents to cause serious injuries to opponents.
• Graded F due to;
- Fits the charge of running in and punching opponent to the head
- Intentional act
- Opponent vulnerable
- Potential for serious injury

Reasons for Decision:

Having amended the charge to “Strikes with hand, arm or shoulder – intentional” the Tribunal feel that it should be graded at Grade D.

Taking into account the Guilty plea from the player and also the players previous record the Tribunal feel that the player should be suspended for 4-matches.

He will also be fined £250.

Suspension:

4 matches