Carney (Charge – Grade B):
The tribunal accept this player had no intent to injure his opponent but the player must realise that by lifting opponent’s legs and placing them in dangerous positions as is done in this case, this has the potential for serious injury. The player has a previous record for this type of offence and this tribunal have thought long and hard about going outside the guidelines and imposing a lengthier sanction than the two matches suggested by the B grading. The tribunal take into account the player’s acceptance of guilt and the fact that this was not the worse type of this offence and feel that a
2 match suspension and £300 are appropriate.
Gigot (Charge – Grade C):
Having viewed the DVD this tribunal feel that the grading can be downgraded from a C to a B. The principle feature is the tackling player coming off his feet. The tribunal feel the tackled players momentum and movement to one side contribute. The tackling player keeps hold of the opponent and is taken off his feet whilst lifting him. The tackling player appears to attempt to control the tackle but the opponent goes to ground in a way that was dangerous and had the potential for serious injury. It is noted there was no injury caused, the player showed concern and remorse for his actions. He was sin binned and has an exemplary disciplinary record.
This tribunal feel that a 1 match suspension and £300 fine are appropriate.
Flower (Charge – Grade C):
This tribunal are satisfied there was a considerable degree of lifting by this player whilst making this tackle. It is accepted there was some contribution from another player and that in the movement to the ground had some control. There was no injury caused to the opponent. Taking into account these circumstances this tribunal feel they can downgrade the offence to a Grade B offence. The player has accepted his guilt and has no previous record for similar offences of placing opponents in dangerous positions.
The sanction is a 1 match suspension and £300 fine.
Sims (Charge – Grade B):
This tribunal thank the player and his representative for the way they have conducted their case. The tribunal have considered the down grading of this offence but having viewed the DVD they feel that the MRP have graded the offence correctly and therefore feel the B grading is appropriate. In making this decision the tribunal note this tackle was made with a clenched fist and delivered forcefully. It is also noted the player has previous appearances for similar high tackles.
Taking in to account all the circumstances a 2 match suspension and £300 fine are imposed.