Case Number:

ON/1549/24

Daniel Bofenda #2, London Broncos

Competition:

Reserves

Match:

London Broncos v Leigh Leopards

Match Date:

2024-08-24

Incident:

Dangerous Throw/Lift

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1(d)

Dangerous Throw/Lift

Grade F

Fine:

£50

Sanctions:

6+

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 29th August 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 05 22 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have lifted your opponent into a dangerous position. The Panel believe your actions were serious 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 F offence – Dangerous Throw/Lift.

The normal suspension range for such offence is 6 matches plus.

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

• The incident was placed on report.

• The Referees report stated that “Bofenda picks up the attacker by his waist and throws him to the ground. Time is called off due to the injury. On field nothing further was given. The incident is put on report for a possible dangerous throw.”

• Mr Bofenda, 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 Bofenda goes to ground with the ball carrier.
- The ball carrier is significantly lifted above the ground.
- The ball carrier’s hips have been turned almost 180 degrees
- Mr Bofenda is in control of the tackle and unnecessarily lifts the opponent into a dangerous position.
- The ball carrier lands on his head, neck and shoulder.

• Based on the above factors the Match Review Panel felt this necessitated a Grade F charge in line with the guidance note.

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

Player or club representative not in attendance. Club confirmed a guilty plea on behalf of the player.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have listened to the submissions made on behalf on the MRP and have watched the footage several times.

They are in agreement that this is an incident which had the potential to cause serious injury to the opponent. Taking that into account the panel feel that it has been correctly graded at Grade F.

The Tribunal note the plea of guilt entered on behalf of the player and taking that into account feel that the suspension should be one of 6-matches. The player will also be fined £50.

Should the player play at a Tier 4 community level he will be able to use those games towards serving his suspension.

Suspension:

6 matches