Case Number:

ON/0116/24

Franklin Pele #10, Hull FC

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Hull FC v Hull KR

Match Date:

2024-02-15

Incident:

Head Contact

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (b)

Head Contact

Grade E

Fine:

£750

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 19th February 2024, 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 40 46 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have contacted the head of your opponent. In the Panel’s opinion this is serious misconduct, has the potential for serious injury and is 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 E offence – Head Contact.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 3 to 5 matches.
• Match Review Panel reviewed an incident in the above match.

• The player was dismissed from the field of play.

• The referees report stated that “in the 39th minute of the match Elliot Minchella was carrying the ball for Hull KR when he was knocked backwards on initial contact from Hull FC No 10 Franklin Pele. Minchella was on the ground when Pele made contact with the head of Minchella. It was a swinging arm from Pele that was forceful and dangerous and, in my opinion, high level force and danger. There were no mitigating factors, so I dismissed Pele from the field.”

• The MRP in viewing the footage see no reason to disagree with this position.

• For a contact to the head with high level of force, the entry grading the Match Review Panel submit is a Grade E charge.

• As stated, the MRP agree with the referee’s position that there were no mitigating factors present within this incident.

• The aggravating factors are:

- Tackler is off their feet when contact is made to ball carriers head.
- The trajectory of the tackler’s shoulder/arm is always going towards the ball carrier’s head.

• The Match Review Panel however do not believe that the aggravating factors are sufficient to move this matter to a Grade F offence and that this incident is worthy of a Grade E charge.

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

Player in attendance with James Clark (CEO). Player pleads guilty.

JC informed the panel that FP had shown genuine remorse following the incident. He has an exemplary disciplinary record and is a young player who making his debut for the club in a huge game.

He admits that his emotions got the better of him, however, he is of good character and has a good career ahead of him. he will learn from this experience.

FP thanked the panel for their time and apologised for his actions. He is aware of what he did was unacceptable and that it was totally out of character.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank for both sides for their submissions.

They take into consideration the remorse shown by the player and his previous good behaviour. They also accept he is a young player who whilst inexperienced will learn from the situation.

They note his clean previous record and his plea of guilt. Taking everything into account they feel he should be suspended for 3 matches. He will also be fined £750.

Suspension:

3 matches