Case Number:

ON/993/22

Jacob Gannon #29, Warrington

Competition:

Reserves Championship

Match:

Leeds v Warrington

Match Date:

2022-05-27

Incident:

Striking

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Dangerous Contact - A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.

Grade D

Fine:

£50

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 27 May 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) Dangerous Contact during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the 18th minute of the above match. You were sin binned following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you hit your opponent late without the ball causing flexion to the neck/spinal area. 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 in breach of Law 15.1(i) – Dangerous Contact – Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game (includes Dangerous Contact) - A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 3 to 5 matches suspension.

• Incident occurs in approx. 18th minute
• Player is sin binned following the incident
• Player approaches opponent following a pass
• Player has an unobstructed view of opponent and the ball
• Player steps into contact following a pass
• Player does not make reasonable adaptations after the opponent has released the ball indeed the Match Review Panel
• Player makes contact as opponent is in a relaxed, unsighted, vulnerable position
• Player demonstrates no attempt to tackle opponent
• Player approaches at speed generating high force to the contact
• Rotates shoulder into opponent
• Opponent’s body demonstrates whiplash action
• Opponent lands forcefully

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

Player not in attendance, however, club plead guilty on his behalf via e-mail.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade D due to:
- Highly reckless contact as player sees the ball is passed and still proceeds into contact
- High force
- Unnecessary contact
- Involves an unacceptable risk of injury to opponent
- Lack of duty of care demonstrated towards opponent

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both side for their submissions.

Jacob Gannon is a young player. However, this was a highly reckless act using substantial force.

Because he is young and has no previous disciplinary record the Tribunal take a lower starting point than might ordinarily be taken for such a serious incident. We then give him credit for his guilty plea.

The Tribunal wish to stress that now this matter is on his record if the player were to commit any further offences of dangerous conduct in the future he would receive a much longer suspension.

On this occasion the Tribunal impose a 3-match suspension and a £50 fine.

Suspension:

3 matches