Case Number:

ON/913/23

Jordan Brown #8, Salford

Competition:

Reserves

Match:

Castleford Tigers v Salford Red Devils

Match Date:

2023-06-10

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

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

Grade E

Fine:

£50

Sanctions:

4-6

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 15th June 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 15 50 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have punched your opponent twice to the head whilst they are on the ground. The Panel believe 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 E offence – Strikes – Punching – sustained and, repeated or violent - makes contact with the Head of an opponent.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 4 to 6 matches.

• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident in the above match.

• Mr Brown was dismissed because of his actions.

• Following a tackle which Mr Brown is involved, the opponent is on the ground.

• Mr Brown’s can be seen to raise his arm on the footage and then unfortunately the footage glitches out.

• The referees report states that “Salford's No8 Jordan Brown throws two punches on the floor that make direct contact to the head of the Castleford ball carrier Callum Hutchinson.”

• The Panel have no reason to disbelieve the referees report given the footage shows Mr Brown lift his arm in a striking motion.

• Mr Johnstone is vulnerable as he is on the ground and not in a position to defend himself from the actions of Mr Brown.

• This cannot be a case of self-defence as the player has initiated the confrontation.

• Grade E due to:
- Violent, unnecessary action to a vulnerable opponent.
- Potential for injury. 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 in attendance alongside Stuart Wilkinson (Head Coach) and John Fieldhouse (Assistant Coach). Player pleads Guilty.

SW told the Tribunal that JB had never been sent off or sin-binned in his career so far and had a clean disciplinary record. He is a player who fits in with the culture of the club and is a good character. The club were disappointed with his actions in this incident.

JB then talked through the incident. He explained he was completing a tackle on his opponent and it was both fair and aggressive. The opponent reacted by pushing his hand into his face which placed his fingers in the vicinity of both his mouth and eyes. He then reacted by throwing the two punches.
He added he had apologised to both the opponent and the opposing club.

JF addressed the Tribunal and talked through the incident whilst also confirming that JB was a good character. He had a big future in the game and this was one blip in an 18 months period he had spent at the club.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions.

They are in agreement that this is a serious incident which has seen two heavy blows landed to the head of an opponent.

They are impressed by the way the player and club have conducted themselves in the hearing and the submissions they have made.

Taking everything into account the feel the player should be suspended for 5-matches and fined £50.

Suspension:

5 matches