Case Number:

ON/1032/22

Michael Greenhalgh #21, London Skolars

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Cornwall RLFC v London Skolars

Match Date:

2022-06-04

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Strikes – Punching - Reaction to opponent – lashing out -– makes contact with Head of opponent

Grade D

Fine:

£75

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 9 June 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) Other Striking Offences during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 00:49:09 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. You were sin binned following the incident. 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(a) – Punching/Other Striking Offences – Punched an opponent during the course of a match.

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place at 49 09 of the footage time.
• Player is dismissed following incident.
• Player’s teammate has lost ball in a tackle and player is confronted by opponent.
• Player pushes opponent away and another opponent grabs hold of the player.
• Mr Greenhalgh can be seen to have hold of opponent as another opponent comes towards the now developed melee.
• Player then proceeds to punch the opponent who is coming into the melee with his right hand.
• This escalates the melee further, but no further punches are thrown.
• There is potential for such incidents to cause injuries to opponents.

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

Player not in attendance. Player pleads Guilty to the charge via e-mail.

The club confirmed that they are content to accept the findings of the panel.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Graded D due to;
- Punch making direct contact
- Intentional act
- Opponent is not expecting the action - vulnerable
- Potential for injury

Aggravating Factors:

12/07/2018 – Dangerous Throw (Grade E – 6 matches)
13/07/2017 – Punching (Grade B – 1 match)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage and listened to the submissions made by the CM on the charge. They also note the players admission of guilt via an e-mail from the club.

The Panel are in agreement that this incident it charged at the correct grading at Grade D. Taking this into account they therefore feel a suspension of 3 matches is appropriate.

The player will also be fined £75.

Suspension:

3 matches