As a part-timer with kids, he is the one responsible for doing what he did, for absolutely no reason, describing it as a "brain explosion", but he had only been on for two minutes.
His record is appalling and he is a liability.
The penalty for the charge as drawn, and graded, which grading HE ACCEPTED start at 8 games and so he is in fact a lucky lad as he could well have got longer. Nobody can whinge about him getting the deserved minimum.
If the penalty starts at 8 games, and you get only 8 games, that is what they call "leniency".
Quote brain explosion="RFL disciplinary" Player in attendance alongside Assistant Coach Gareth Carvell and pleads guilty to the charge and accepts the grading at Grade F. Players representative reiterates that there is no excuse for this type of conduct on the field. The player has been spoken to by the Head Coach regarding his on-field conduct. The player himself has accepted that his conduct on the field during this current season has not been acceptable. He has missed several matches due to his conduct. This is not the type of conduct the player relates to and as a player of considerable experience he appreciates he is perhaps coming towards the end of his player career. The player relates that he had only been on the field for three minutes when this “brain explosion” occurred. Player has demonstrated considerable remorse for his conduct and accepts his guilt.
Decision:
Guilty and accepts the grading at Grade F
Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction
• Player charged under RFL Rule 15.1(i) Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game – testicles - attacking • Incident occurred in the 31st minute of the match and placed on report • Mr Flanagan makes approach between the legs of opponent after the tackle is complete • Immediate physical reaction from Mr Miloudi and from Mr Wilkin verbally to the referee • Clear medical reports submitted due to nature of the injury, supported by the player’s submissions. • Referee report, players statement and medical report all clearly note a squeeze to the testicles • Footage clearly shows Mr Flanagan’s hand placed in the area in which has been injured following contact • Graded F due to; - Charge starts at Grade F - Unnecessary and not part of the game - Clear intent due to the nature of the contact – could not be accidental - No place in the game for such acts - Brings the game into disrepute
Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction
Player accepts his guilt and has been spoken to by the Head Coach about his on-field conduct. Player accepts his recent conduct on the field has not been acceptable.
Aggravating Factors
26.1.12 – Dangerous Contact (Grade B, 1 match) 16.5.13 – Punching (Grade B, 1 match) 26.5.16 – Repeated Punching (Grade C, 2 matches) 17.1.19 – Dangerous Contact (Grade B, 1 match) 27.6.19 – Trip – intentional (Grade C, 2 matches)
Reasons for Decision
The Tribunal have carefully viewed the footage on several occasions and listened to the submissions made by the player and his representative. This was a clear and deliberate attack on an opponent’s testicles after a tackle had been made. This was obviously a painful incident but it is noted the opponent did play on. In deciding the appropriate sanction this Tribunal have taken into account the players previous disciplinary record. The Tribunal are impressed that the player has acknowledged his conduct over the current season has not been acceptable They are satisfied that the player has shown genuine remorse for his actions and they have also been impressed by the stance taken by the club relating to the player on his behalf. This Tribunal feel that an 8 match suspension and a £250 fine are appropriate. '"
I really don't see how anyone can make an issue of this.
