Case Number:

ON/598/23

Lewis Magson #13, Bradford

Competition:

Academy

Match:

Bradford Bulls v London Broncos

Match Date:

2023-05-06

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Punching – sustained and, repeated or violent - makes contact with the Head of an opponent.

Grade F

Fine:

£25

Sanctions:

6+

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 11th May 2023, 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 1 10 50 Sharepoint footage time of the above match. You were dismissed following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you have thrown punches to an opponent some of which connected to the head of your opponent. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, had the potential to cause injury and are against the true 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 – Punching – sustained and, repeated or violent - makes contact with the Head of an opponent.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 6 matches plus.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in the above match where Mr Magson was dismissed following his actions.

• Following a confrontation with an opponent Mr Magson throws a punch connecting directly to the head of the opponent.

• Mr Magson then throws several other punches however it is not clear whether they connect or not with the opponent.

• After Mr Magson is removed from the melee but continues to remain aggressive and as the opponent who Mr Magson originally struck is engaged with his teammate. Mr Magson throws his arm towards the opponent again, but it is not clear where the contact occurs.

• Grade F due to:
- Multiple punches thrown, with at least one connecting with the head area.
- Player throws the first punch which is a significant blow to the head.
- Potential for injury to the head. Area of concern for the game.
- Violent act which brings the sport into disrepute and portrays the game in a negative light.

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

Player not in attendance, but represented by Ryan Hunkin (Head of Youth). Player pleads guilty to the charge.

The case was heard alongside two other Bradford players who had been charged following the same incident.

RH explained that the players had expressed their remorse, had apologised to both the playing group and the staff and will learn from the situation.

RH explained that it had been a physical game against a strong London side, however, the players should have been better in their actions. They do not dispute the Grading at Grade F but did feel the suspension should be towards the lower end of the grade. A larger suspension could effectively be season ending for the players and by not playing they are missing out of their development as they try and make a future in the game.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have watched the footage several times and listened to the submissions from both sides.

They are of the opinion that the player starts the violence by landing a blow to the head of the opposition no.10. He then throws several punches, although due to the distance the footage is filmed at and the number of players in close proximity it is unclear where they land.

After ending up outside the melee the player remains aggressive and confronts the same opponent and throws further punches.

The Tribunal feel that the grading is correct at Grade F. They note the player has a clean record, however, given the player started the incident and his prolonged involvement throughout he should be suspended for 7-matches. He will also be fined £25.

Suspension:

7 matches