Case Number:

ON/1693/23

Harry Lowery #10, Newcastle

Competition:

Academy

Match:

Hull KR v Newcastle Thunder

Match Date:

2023-09-13

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

Fine:

£50

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 3rd August 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 44 16 footage time of the above match. The Match Officials report states the following “Hull KR were in possession. After the Hull KR player was tackled, he protested to me that he felt he was being prevented from playing the ball by the Newcastle defender who had made the tackle. Newcastle number 10 Harry Lowery (HL), who was next to me in the defensive line, shouted “Just play the ball you XXXX!”. I therefore dismissed him for homophobic language. HL said, “I didn’t mean it like that.” before leaving the field without further complaint. He apologised for his poor choice of words after the game”. The Panel believe your actions were unnecessary 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 – 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 RFL have a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable language so will always charge at the highest available grading possible. The player’s apology is accepted and we note that this was immediate and the player has shown remorse.

The MRP are therefore not looking for anything additional other than the lower end of the sanction for that particular grade.

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

Player not in attendance, however, he sent in a written statement via the club.

He expressed his sincere apologies to anyone who he may have offended and said his comments were made in the heat of the moment. He instantly regretted using the words and never intended to cause offence or distress to anybody.

He confirmed he would accept the consequences of whatever sanction would be handed down to him.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal agree with the RFL that this kind of language should be treated with a zero-tolerance policy. This is absolutely the correct way.

The Tribunal note the players apology and give him credit for the way he has accepted his guilt. The grading for this charge is correct at Grade F and in this instance the Tribunal feel they can go to the lower end of the grading.

The player will therefore be suspended for 6 matches and fined £50.

Suspension:

6 matches