Case Number:

ON/1242/22

Luke Collins #9, Cornwall

Competition:

League 1

Match:

Cornwall RLFC v Doncaster RLFC

Match Date:

2022-07-09

Incident:

Homophobic Abuse

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (f)

Verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Behaviour or Language

Grade F

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

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 July 2022, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(f).

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 00:11:46 SharePoint time of the above match. You were dismissed following the incident. The referees dismissal report states that you called an opponent “xxxxxx faggot”. 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 F offence in breach of Law 15.1(f) – Verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Behaviour or Language.

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

• The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at approximately the 11th minute of the match. The player was dismissed following the incident.
• On the footage, the players can be seen to exchange words after a tackle.
• The victim of the abuse can be seen to point and there is no dispute as to what has been said.
• The referee’s dismissal report states that the player called the opponent “xxxxxxx faggot”’.
• Word used is derogatory and negative - term of abuse and disparagement towards gay males and squarely falls under RFL’s definition of Unacceptable Language.
• The Panel believed that Mr Collins’ actions were unnecessary, against the true spirit of the game and brings the game into disrepute.
• 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(f) – Verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Behaviour or Language.
• Zero Tolerance approach of RFL towards such cases.
• The normal suspension range for such offence is 8+ matches period of suspension.
• Verbal abuse based on sexual orientation is unacceptable and has no place in the sport of Rugby League or society.
• The Panel had no option other than to issue a Grade F charge.
• Education to form part of any sanction imposed.

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

Player in attendance alongside Rob Butland (Commercial Director). Player pleads guilty.

LC explained that he reacted to verbals from an opponent. He accepts that what he said was not acceptable. What he said was not representative of him as person and he again apologised for his actions. He explained he had started an Equality & Diversity Education Course with help from the club.

LC talked the panel through the incident and said he was unsure why the exchange of words had started. He said that he had used the words only after the same were directed at him.

RB informed the panel that LC was a good character and the incident was totally out of character. He added they were a new club and were trying to do tings in the right way. The club will make every effort to make sure that this kind of thing does not happen again.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Aggravating Factors:

16/06/22 – Dangerous Contact (Grade C – 2matches)

Reasons for Decision:

In all these circumstances the Tribunal determines that in accordance with the Sentencing Guidelines an 8-match suspension should be imposed.

Such a penalty properly reflects the seriousness of the offence, the Zero Tolerance approach to such offending as well as the player’s remorse, plea of guilty and the verbal sledging to which he was first subject.

A standard £75 fine also follows.

Suspension:

8 matches