Case Detail
Case Number:
ON/017/23
Taealoaloa Amone #8, Leigh
Competition:
Warm Up Matches
Match:
Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards
Match Date:
2023-02-04
Incident:
Unacceptable Language
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
Decision On Charge
Player plea:
Not Guilty
Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 9th February 2023, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(f) during the above match.
The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 1 33 15 SharePoint footage time of the above match. You were dismissed following the incident. The referee’s report states that; “In the 71st minute of the game, Warrington Wolves number 11 Ben Currie scored a try. After the try was awarded numerous players from both sides came together exchanging insults. At this point I witnessed Warrington Wolves number 13 Josh McGuire use Unacceptable Language relating to disability. He was then dismissed from the field. After Warrington Wolves number 13 Josh McGuire was dismissed, it was alleged later on by Warrington Wolves number 1 Matthew Dufty, that Josh McGuire had been abused with Unacceptable Language relating to disability and sexuality by Leigh Leopards number 8 Taealoaloa Amone and this is what he responded to, this was not witnessed by any on field match official and Dufty didn’t want to make an official allegation. Once the game had finished, Warrington Wolves Staff member Kylie Leuluai informed me that Warrington Wolves wanted to make the official allegation. That Josh McGuire had been abused with Unacceptable Language relating to disability and sexuality The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and are 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 – 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 6 matches plus.
• The Match Review Panel were alerted by the On Field report from referee Marcus Griffiths, in which it was alleged by the Warrington Club that Mr Amone had used Unacceptable Language towards the Warrington player Josh McGuire.
• This was initially reported to the referee by Warrington player Matt Dufty and Kylie Leuluai (Head of Rugby Operations and Player Welfare) confirmed that the Warrington Club wished to make the allegation official upon conclusion of the match.
• The Warrington Club supplied statements from 4 of their players.
• Mr Dufty who raised the initial complaint to the referee states in his follow up statement that after an altercation, he heard Mr Amone call Mr McGuire a derogatory term relating to sexuality
• Mr McGuire says that after an earlier incident, he had words with Mr Amone and a few other Leigh players. Mr McGuire states that Mr Amone used Unacceptable Language relating to sexuality and disability Mr McGuire suggests there were other Leigh players who also used this phrase but has not determined the identity of those players in the statement he has provided to date.
• Gill Dudson states that there was a coming together between Mr McGuire and some of the Leigh forwards just over halfway. Mr Dudson states that words were exchanged and says he heard the Unacceptable Language referred to by McGuire. Mr Dudson does not identify who used these words.
• James Harrison states that there were some previous “verbals” between Mr Amone and Mr McGuire. Mr Harrison says he was not sure if it was just before the try or in the celebrations where one of the Leigh players used the word relating to sexuality towards Mr McGuire, however he could not identify the Leigh player.
• The Match Review Panel’s position is that it is clear from the footage that there are words being spoken between both Warrington and Leigh players after a try has been scored. Mr Dudson, Mr Dufty, and Mr Harrison are in proximity.
• The Match Review Panel believe there is a sharp turn of the heads from both Mr Harrison and Mr Dufty as they walk past the Leigh players which the Panel believe shows a reaction to something being said.
• Mr Dufty and Mr McGuire both state that they heard the word relating to sexuality as being said and identify Mr Amone as the individual using that word. Mr Harrison and Mr Dudson both clearly identify the word relating to sexuality being used but state they are not sure as to the identity of the individual using that word
• The Match Review Panel, given the footage and statements of the Warrington players see no reason to disbelieve that the word(s) have been uttered by Mr Amone.
• Mr Amone’s standards have fallen below what is expected of a player and amount to Misconduct pursuant to the RFL’s Operational Rules.
Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Player in attendance alongside Derek Beaumont (Chairman) and Chris Chester (Head of Rugby). Player pleads Not Guilty.
Decision:
Not Guilty
Reasons for Decision:
The RFL received a report that Mr Amone had used Unacceptable Language based on disability and sexuality. This was denied by the player.
The Tribunal heard evidence from two witnesses, however, they could not be sure the words were said and by whom.
Given that these were the only two players who allegedly heard the Unacceptable Language, but were now unclear in their evidence about who they believed said the words, the MRP did not believe they could progress the case any further.
The Tribunal agreed with that course and the allegation was dismissed. His reputation remains intact.