Case Number:

ON/1809/24

Luke Thompson #16, Wigan

Competition:

Super League

Match:

Wigan Warriors v Hull KR

Match Date:

2024-10-12

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 14th October 2024, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred at 01 20 58 footage time of the above match. In the Panel’s opinion you have contacted your opponent after the ball has been released causing flexion to the head and neck. 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 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.

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 Thompson, it is clear on the footage, has contacted the opponent after the ball has been released causing flexion to the head and neck of the opponent.

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

• The Match Review Panel opinion is that the following:

- Defending player approaches the tackle in an uncontrolled manner – e.g., enters the tackle at speed
- The defending player fails to moderate their behaviour
- The nature and type of the contact is unnecessary and/or avoidable
- Minimal 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 Tom Fitzpatrick (Head of Welfare). Player pleads guilty but challenges the grading.

LF talked the panel through the incident. He admitted that the challenge was careless, but he had tried to pull out of hitting his opponent when he realised the ball had been passed. There was no or minimal flexion caused to the neck of the opponent.

TF explained the club had read the guidance note and felt this incident was careless and not reckless. Whilst they agree that it was a late hit, they feel LF had moderated his actions before contact.

This was a situation where LF is trying to put pressure on an opponent as he engages the defensive line. Whilst there was a reasonable level of force used the club feel that had more force been used then the opponent would have suffered a greater level of flexion.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal thank both parties for the submissions. They have carefully watched the footage over and over again, both in slow motion and in real time. Having do so they are in agreement that this incident was reckless rather than careless.

They feel there was a degree of flexion to the neck of the opponent after contact and that there was quite some time between the ball leaving the opponents hand and contact. Contact looks to have been made by the player raising his right arm.

They Tribunal therefore feel the grading at Grade B is correct. They do not feel the challenge was frivolous so the player is therefore suspended for 1-match as outlined in his penalty notice.

The player will also be fined the standard £500, whilst the club will lose the £500 bond lodged to bring the challenge.

Suspension:

1 match