Case Detail
Case Number:
ON/1150/24
Adam Keighran #3, Wigan
Competition:
Super League
Match:
Wigan Warriors v St Helens
Match Date:
2024-07-12
Incident:
Dangerous Throw/Lift
Decision:
Charge
Charge Detail:
Law 15.1 (d)
Dangerous Throw/Lift
Grade B
Sanctions:
1 Match Penalty Notice
Decision On Charge
Player plea:
Not Guilty
Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 15th July 2024, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(d) during the above match.
The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 10 23 footage time of the above match. In the Panels opinion you have lifted your opponent into a dangerous position. 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 – Dangerous Throw/Lift.
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.
• Mr Keighran, the Match Review Panel submit can be seen to lift his opponent into a ‘Dangerous Position’ as defined in the Laws of the Game.
• Using the factors set out in the guidance note the Panel note the following:
- Mr Keighran goes to ground with the ball carrier.
- The ball carrier is lifted but not far from the ground.
- The ball carrier’s hips are significantly above his head.
- Mr Keighran is in control of the tackle and unnecessarily lifts the opponent into a dangerous position.
- The ball carrier lands on his shoulder and then his neck and head.
• Based on the above factors the Match Review Panel felt this necessitated a Grade B charge in line with the guidance note.
Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:
Player in attendance alongside Sean O’Loughlin (Assistant Coach) and Tom Fitzpatrick (Welfare Manager). Player pleads not guilty.
TF explained the club agree that the opponent lands awkwardly following the tackle, however, AK did not play a part in how he ended up in that position.
Two of the opponents’ teammates joined in and played a major part in how the tackle ended, whilst AK had a grip on the hips/shorts of the opponent at all times.
A teammate of AK’s also joined the tackle and his twisting motion on the upper body of the opponent also contributed to how the tackle ended. AK kept his grip and all times.
SO’L then talked the panel through the tackle.
AK explained that the he had no intention to lift his opponent and it was the twisting movement of his teammate and the St Helens players contributions that saw the tackle end the way it did.
He was trying to perform a “safe tackle” and he had no intention to put his opponent in danger.
Decision:
Not Guilty
Reasons for Decision:
The Tribunal thank both sides for the contributions. They remind themselves in relation to the relevant burden and standard of proof. The Compliance Manager – on behalf of the Match Review Panel – bears the burden of proof and has to establish that the on-field misconduct has occurred to the reasonable satisfaction of the Tribunal. Bearing in mind the seriousness of the allegation, the standard of proof is greater than a mere balance of probability, but less that proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Having reviewed the footage and heard the arguments on both sides the Tribunal cannot be satisfied to the required standard that the leg of the opponent lifted by the player contributed to how the tackle ended. It is entirely possible the actions of the players teammate and another two players from the opposing sides actions contributed to how it ended. The Tribunal therefore dismiss the charge.