Case Number:

ON1796/22

Lewis Ransome #12, Castleford Tigers Reserves

Competition:

Reserves Championship

Match:

Huddersfield Giants Reserves v Castleford Tigers Reserves

Match Date:

2022-09-03

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

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

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 8th September 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 00:30:50 SharePoint time of the above match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you intentionally punched your opponent making contact with the head. 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) – Strikes – Punching - Reaction to opponent – lashing out -– makes contact with head of opponent

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

• Player charged under RFL Rule 15.1(a) Strikes – Punching – Reaction to opponent leashing out – makes contact with the head of the opponent.
• The player was dismissed following the incident.
• Mr Ransome after a ruck pushes his opponent who has confronted his team mate.
• The opponent then chases after Mr Ransome.
• The player subsequently throws a right handed punch to the opponent.
• Mr Ransome throws another punch which connects with the head area.
• A melee ensues but the player does not throw any further punches.

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

Player not in attendance, however, guilty plea submitted via e-mail from club.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• Charge starts at Grade D.
- Unnecessary and not part of the game.
- One Punch thrown as player is being confronted by opponent.
- Punches are of a forceful nature.

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal note that the player has pleaded guilty via an e-mail from the club.

Having watched the footage it is clear that the player throws a punch and makes contact with the head of an opponent.

In his favour the player has no previous disciplinary record. The Tribunal agree that the grading of the offence is correct at Grade D. They therefore suspend the player for 3-matches and he is fined £50.

Suspension:

3 matches