Case Number:

ON/1563/24

Leon Stewart #4, Hull FC

Competition:

Reserves

Match:

Wigan Warriors v Hull FC

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 01 16 10 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.

• Mr Stewart was dismissed following the incident.

• The Referees report stated that “Wigan ran the ball in, Leon made a tip tackle, however tipped the player well past the horizontal. This created a very dangerous tackle as the player went down head first towards the ground. Leon was very apologetic and had no complaints about the red card.”

• Mr Stewart, 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:

- The ball carrier is significantly lifted above the ground.
- The ball carrier’s hips have been turned a significant distance and only the outstretched arm of the ball carrier, the Match Review Panel submit prevents him being placed in further danger.
- Mr Stewart 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.

• The player had to leave the field of play due to an injury sustained when trying to protect himself.

• 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 in attendance alongside Rich Tate (Head of Youth). Player pleads guilty.

RT addressed the panel and explained that the footage speaks for itself and that both the player and himself had come on to apologies and also to educate themselves on the disciplinary procedure.

He added the footage shows LS’s immediate remorse following the tackle and that he had made a mistake as he attempt to tackle an opponent one-on-one.

This was the first charge against the player and he had made a mistake. There was no intent to cause any injury to the opponent.

LS them talked through the tackle. He let go of the opponent once he realised the position he had ended up in, and in hindsight he should have tried taking him to ground in a controlled manner.

He would never intentionally go out and hurt an opponent and he checked on his opponent as soon as the incident had happened.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both sides for the submissions.

They have watched the footage several times and are in agreement that the grading at Grade F is correct. They take into account them players guilty plea and also his previously clean record.

The panel therefore feel the most appropriate sanction in this instance is a 6-match suspension, whilst the player will also be fined £50.

As the player plays within the University competition, he is able to use those games towards serving his suspension.

Suspension:

6 matches