Case Number:

ON/1712/24

Greg Worthington #19, Barrow

Competition:

Championship

Match:

Barrow Raiders v Whitehaven

Match Date:

2024-09-15

Incident:

Punching

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)

Punching – sustained and/ or violent

Grade E

Fine:

£250

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 September 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 01 25 47 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you punched your opponent in the head on multiple occasions. 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 E offence – Punching – sustained and/ or violent

The normal suspension range for such offence is 3 to 5 matches.

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

• Mr Worthington was dismissed because of his actions.

• The referees report stated that, “After a completed tackle, the defender and player in possession of the ball were tangled which started an incident of pushing and shoving. This escalated into a fight in which both players threw punches towards one another. After the players were separated, i dismissed the player in question.”

• The footage clearly shows Mr Worthington connect with 2 punches to the head and the player throwing a third punch towards the opponent.

• Grade E due to:
- Violent, unnecessary actions.
- Potential for injury. Area of concern for the game
- Violent act which brings the sport into disrepute and portrays the game in a negative light.

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

Player not in attendance, however, he entered a guilty plea via e-mail.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Aggravating Factors:

30/06/22 – Punching – one on one – Grade D (3 matches)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have carefully reviewed footage of the incident and have listened to the submissions made by the Compliance Manager on behalf of the Match Review Panel.

They note the players plea of guilt and give him credit for that; however, they have also taken into account the players previous record which shows a suspension for a similar offence.

The panel therefore feel the player should be suspended for 4-matches. He will also be fined £250.

Suspension:

4 matches