Dear NRL (second of July)
Andrew Voss has a very good point: James Tamou’s knee to Dylan Walker’s head: How on earth was this incident only judged as a grade one contrary conduct offence?
A dropped knee to the face of a player is so rare these days. By and large the game is clean of such acts. But this was a player coming back from a fractured eye socket lying on the ground. I ask again … how is this only a grade 1 and a fine?
I believe James is very lucky the incident wasn’t referred straight to the judiciary where he would have had to explain what he was thinking.
That was a terrible look for the game and a totally inappropriate punishment. You get at least 1 week for a punch but a fine for deliberately kneeing a defenceless player on the ground? Shameful.
Dear globaleagle (22 days later)
Thanks for your email.
The Match Review Committee is established as an independent body and they lay charges based on facts and the available evidence while referencing the Judiciary Code.
Every incident is looked at individually and the circumstances considered when it comes to determining whether a charge is necessary. In looking at how they grade an incident of foul play, the MRC looks, among other things, at the nature and force of the contact.
We certainly understand that at times fans, players and coaches may not agree with certain decisions but the process is fair and has been adopted by other sports because of its success.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your views.
PS: Please ask woodsie to stop sending in nudes.
PPS: Please tell him it is PPS and not PSS, sheesh.
So - there it is.
Sigh.
