Case Number:

ON/1111/22

Harry Newman #3, Leeds

Competition:

Super League

Match:

St Helens v Leeds Rhinos

Match Date:

2022-06-23

Incident:

Dissent

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (g)

Disputes using aggressive language or body language

Grade C

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

2 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Not Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 27 June 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(g) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at approximately 78 minutes of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you used aggressive body language to dispute a decision made by the match referee. The Panel believe that your actions were unnecessary and against the spirit of the game.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade C offence – Disputes using aggressive language or body language.

The normal suspension range for such offence is from 2 to 3 matches.

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in approx. 78th minute
• MRP were concerned at the manner in which Mr Newman approaches the referee on several occasions
• Player confronts referee initially disputing the decision.
• Points to his head in aggressive manner towards the touch judge.
• Player then on 2 more occasions with his arms outstretched, remonstrates with the referee in an animated manner.
• The player advances towards referee with arms out in aggressive manner.
• The player has to be stopped by his team mate and pulled back with force to remove him from the situation.
• The referee speaks to the player to remove himself from the area and has to walk away from the player who is advancing towards him.
• MRP submit that the players actions were intimidating towards the officials.
• The player continues with his actions and has to be stopped.
• Actions are against the spirit of the game and bring the sport into disrepute.

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

Player in attendance alongside Rohan Smith (Head Coach) & Legal Reps Richard Cramer and Declan Doherty. Player pleads Not Guilty.

DD explained the charge against HN was a serious one. He felt that HN was enthusiastically demonstrating the decision and that he did not use any abusive language. DD felt that the Compliance Manager cannot prove the charge as there was not enough evidence and that it could not meet the required burden of proof. There was no action taken on-field at the time and that the crucial missing piece of evidence would have been a report from Referee.

HN thanked the panel for the been given the opportunity to speak. He explained he was a passionate character and can be very animated at times. He said he was expressing his feelings on the decision but had kept his distance from the Referee at all times and had walked away when asked to do so. He had been out injured for a long period and admitted frustration got the better of him, however, he was not aggressive. He acknowledged that the Match Officials have a tough job and he has respect for them.

RS also thanked the panel for their time. He felt that HN is a person who speaks with his arms a lot and likes to be the centre of attention. He was aware that players shouldn’t be waving their arms around and it was about setting standards. He added that HN was frustrated but had moved away before been asked to do so and that no action was taken by the Referee at the time. He felt that a warning would be more appropriate for HN.

The club do not feel that the challenge to the imposed Penalty Notice was frivolous. They feel that is was brought honestly and that a more appropriate charge could be “Disputes Decision” which can be graded as a Grade A offence (0-1 matches).

Decision:

Guilty

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal are in agreement that the actions of the player were confrontational. Having watched the footage they also feel that the player encroached into the Referees space and also pointed to his head in a gesture to express his feelings.

Whilst they have taken into account the players good character and previous disciplinary record the panel feel that the body language displayed by the player was aggressive and not needed.

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Grade C due to:
- Starting point for an offence of this nature within the Sentencing Guidelines
- Player has opportunity to walk away but continues with his actions
- Player has to be removed from the situation.
- Lack of respect for Match Officials. Clear breach of the Respect and Enjoy the Game initiatives.
- Portrays sport in poor light.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal note that the player brought the challenge after receiving a 2-match penalty notice. They are of the opinion that the challenge is frivolous in this instance and as such the player will receive an additional match to his suspension.

He is therefore suspended for 3-matches and will also be fined £500. The club will also lose their £500 bond for bringing the challenge.

Suspension:

3 matches