Case Number:

ON/1625/23

Brad Singleton #36, Salford

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves

Match Date:

2023-09-10

Incident:

High Tackle

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (b)

High Tackle – Reckless - tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.

Grade B

Fine:

£500

Sanctions:

1 Match Penalty Notice

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty, but challenge the grading

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 11th September 2023, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(b) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 01 22 43 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have contacted your opponent in the head in a reckless manner when attempting a tackle. The Panel believed your actions were unnecessary, had the potential for injury 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 B offence – High Tackle – Reckless - tried to tackle but reckless about outcome.

The normal suspension range for such offence is from a fine to a 1-Match suspension.

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

• The opponent takes a carry into contact and is initially contacted by Mr Singleton’s teammate.

• Mr Singleton is coming across as the opponent escapes the tackle.

• Mr Singleton then throws his arm in an upwards trajectory making forceful contact with the head of the opponent.

• The opponent is at a reasonable position and there is no sudden change in height.

• There may be some contact with the opponent’s fingers however Mr Singleton’s arm is always going upwards and any such contact in no way deflects the arm movement.

• There is no initial contact with the ball or chest which mitigates the contact in any way.

• The contact is on the upper part of the opponent’s head.

• Mr Singleton the MRP would submit has acted in a reckless manner.

• Grade B due to:
- Tried to tackle but reckless.
- Forceful contact is with the head.
- Upward trajectory of arm.
- Player is in control of the tackle.
- Potential for injury to the head. Area of concern for the game. No consideration for the welfare of the opponent.

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

Player represented by Ian Blease (Director of Rugby) and Paul Rowley (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

PR talked through the tackle. He explained that BS’s feet are lateral and that all the force is generated by the opponent. BS is off balance and reaching for the ball in order to make the tackle. The opponent is carrying ball almost by his head and first contact is to the ball. BS has a flat palm and is looking to drag the ball and player down. This is not forceful and is a passive tackle.

IB then addressed the Tribunal. He felt that BS has a flat hand and made initial contact with the ball. This was a careless tackle on an opponent who was performing an unorthodox carry.

After giving a penalty for the tackle the Referee informed BS that he felt it was careless and this was not an attack to the head of the opponent and was not a “stiff arm” tackle.

No force is generated by BS and whilst they agree he is guilty the club think it is careless so should be graded lower.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for the submissions.

The Tribunal have heard a challenge to a penalty notice imposed by the Match Review Panel which has seen a Grade B charge, namely for a High Tackle which was reckless, and both sides have set their position out very clearly and succinctly.

The club are of the opinion that this is careless, not reckless, and so the charge should be at Grade A and not Grade B.

They point to the following factors, firstly, that the player was reaching and was going more sideways, whilst there was also initial contact with the hand of the opponent’s ball carrying arm, then the ball and then the head and they say contact with the head was not inevitable.

The Tribunal take into account all those submissions and they have looked very carefully at the footage. They have reached the conclusion that this was a reckless tackle and is correctly graded at Grade B. They form the opinion that there was forceful contact with the head, that the players arm was too high and there was potential for injury. There was insufficient consideration to the welfare of the opponent and the Tribunal therefore have no hesitation in concluding that this was reckless and not simply careless.

On this basis the 1-match suspension remains. The player will also be fined £500 and the club will the £500 bond lodged to bring the challenge.

Suspension:

1 match