Case Number:

ON/1326/18

Jack Bussey #13, Toronto

Competition:

Super 8s

Match:

Toronto v Toulouse

Match Date:

2018-09-15

Incident:

Biting in the 12th minute (Ader)

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Rule – 15.1(i)
Detail – Behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game – Biting
Grade – F

Fine:

£250

Sanctions:

8+ or period suspension

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty plea

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

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 17th September 2018, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(i) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 12th minute of the above Match. This incident was placed On Report. In the Panel’s opinion, during or after a tackle, you bit your opponent (Ader) on the ear. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary, constitute serious misconduct and caused an injury to your opponent.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade F offence (Biting). In accordance with the On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the normal suspension range for such offence is from an 8-match suspension to a period suspension.

The MRP reviewed the footage and paperwork submitted by the Match Officials and Toulouse. Mr Bussey has his head and face tight to that of his opponent in completing the tackle. Mr Bussey then turns his head to the right following Mr Ader going to ground. Following the turning of Mr Bussey’s head there is an immediate and clear reaction from Mr Ader who immediately grabs his left ear.

Reports from the Match Officials record a break in the skin and blood from the left ear of Mr Ader. This is consistent in the reporting and the footage, whilst the player received on-field treatment after immediately reporting the incident to the officials.

The MRP graded the incident at Grade F due to:
- No place in the game for such conduct
- Injury caused to opponent
- Jeopardises others safety with such an act of violence
- Unnecessary action

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

The player attended the hearing alongside Martin Vickers, Toronto Commercial Director.

The player pleads guilty and accepts the grading at Grade F. The player made it known to the club at the game that he was guilty of the offence of biting.

The player then explained that it was a stupid and idiotic action and he finds difficult to explain why it occurred other than a brain explosion.

He told the tribunal he had already apologised to the opponent and in addition his club intend to correspond with the opposition. The player has no previous history of this type of offence.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

No place in the game for such conduct. Injury was caused to the opponent and these kind of actions are completely unnecessary and jeopardise the safety of others.

Summary of Player's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

Player admits offence and has shown considerable remorse. The incident has caused embarrassment for him and his family. He has apologised to his opponent and has no previous history of a similar offence.

Aggravating Factors:

09/06/16 – Dangerous Contact – Grade A – No suspension or fine
24/04/17 – Strikes – Grade B – 1 match & £75 fine

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal take the offence of biting as an extremely serious matter. It can only be a deliberate act and has no place within the game.

The Tribunal have heard that the player accepts the charge and the grading at Grade F. They also note that the player has shown considerable remorse for his actions.

In deciding the appropriate sanction the Tribunal give credit for your plea of guilt and the remorse that has been shown. It has also been noted that you have apologised to your opponent on the day and this is to the players credit.

However, this type of offence attracts a considerable sanction and this Tribunal feel that an 8 match suspension and £250 are appropriate. The Tribunal also have to point out that the High Tackle offence committed later in the same game attracted 1 match penalty notice. This is now increased to 2 matches under the sentencing guidelines and will run consecutively to the 8 match sanction imposed for the biting offence.

Suspension:

8 matches