Case Number:

ON/608/24

Michael McIlorum #9, Catalans

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Catalans Dragons v Hull KR

Match Date:

2024-04-20

Incident:

Late contact on passer

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (i)

Dangerous Contact - A defending player makes contact with an opponent after the ball has been released by an opponent in a vulnerable position which causes flexion to the head, neck or spinal column on an attacking player, which poses an unacceptable risk of injury to that player.

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 22nd April 2024, 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 23 18 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have intentionally tripped your opponent. In the Panel’s opinion they believed your actions to be misconduct and 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 – Trips – Intentional Trip.

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

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

• It is misconduct as soon as a player has contacted an opponent who does not have the ball.

• In this case Mr McIlorum, it is clear on the footage, has contacted the opponent Mr Parcell after the ball has been released causing flexion to the head and neck of the opponent.

• The MRP apply the guidance note for late contacts on passers and kickers in this instance.

• The MRP opinion is that the following:

- The defending player fails to moderate his behaviour
- The nature and type of the contact is unnecessary and/or avoidable
- Considerable flexion of head, neck or spinal column to opponent

• Therefore, the MRP are of the opinion that this is a reckless contact which carries a Grade ranging from B to D.

• Assessing all those factors present within this incident, the Match Review Panel are of the opinion that this necessitated a Grade B charge.

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

Player in attendance alongside Steve McNamara (Head Coach). Player pleads guilty to the charge but challenges the grading.

SM addressed the panel and explained that whilst the club agreed that late contact was made with the opponent it was done in careless rather than reckless manner.

He felt that a teammate of MM made the first contact with the opponent and that MM was unsighted and could not see the ball had gone before contact was made. He felt that MM does moderate the impact and does not go through with it as he eventually realises the ball has gone.

The club felt there was minimum flexion to the opponents head/neck and no injury was caused following the incident and the opponent was able to carry on. MM thought he was joining his teammate in the tackle.

The club feel that a Grade A charge is more appropriate in this instance.

MM then talked the panel through the incident. He explained he was unsighted and that the opponent shows the ball when approaching the defensive line. He had put his head down to make the tackle alongside his teammate.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for their submissions.

They have watched the footage several times and have directed themselves to the definitions or both careless and reckless. In accordance with the burned and standard of proof they are entirely satisfied that this was a reckless contact and that the player ought to have been aware of the obvious risk, however, he went on to make contact.

The Tribunal feel that there was flexion to the head/neck of the opponent and agree with the MRP grading of Grade B – which is the lower end of recklessness – for this charge.

The Tribunal do not feel that this was a frivolous challenge, therefore the player will be suspended for 1-match as outlined in his penalty notice. He will also be fined the standard £500 and the club will lose the £500 bond that was lodged to bring this challenge.

Suspension:

1 match