They say that is was correctly graded at D, 3-5 matches, but a similar case (Barlow) deemed worse than Tomkins was given a 3 match penalty, so reduced Tomkins ban to 2.
MRP feel Grade D is appropriate for the following reasons. 1) Player is aggressive towards official 2) Players uses Foul and Abusive Language and questions the integrity of the official by using the word “cheat” 3) The abuse is repeated twice.
I guess they never considered that the Barlow ban was too lenient.
Also,
This tribunal wish to point out that this decision should not be used as a precedent for future cases
They say that is was correctly graded at D, 3-5 matches, but a similar case (Barlow) deemed worse than Tomkins was given a 3 match penalty, so reduced Tomkins ban to 2.
MRP feel Grade D is appropriate for the following reasons. 1) Player is aggressive towards official 2) Players uses Foul and Abusive Language and questions the integrity of the official by using the word “cheat” 3) The abuse is repeated twice.
I guess they never considered that the Barlow ban was too lenient.
Also,
This tribunal wish to point out that this decision should not be used as a precedent for future cases
After just seeing the SLS how the hell can the RFL disciplinary panel say the video footage doesn’t show where the contact was??? It clearly shows it was definite contact with the head!!! So yet again the RFL disciplinary panel is shown to be a complete joke and not really fit for purpose.
Player reaches downwards over opponent’s shoulder whilst making attempt to tackle. Opponent is dipping when contact is made. Footage does not show point of contact on opponent.
Had to check myself - forearm smash by Singleton, how could you miss that?
Player reaches downwards over opponent’s shoulder whilst making attempt to tackle. Opponent is dipping when contact is made. Footage does not show point of contact on opponent.