Verdict in for James McDonnell appeal following punching ban

Josh McAllister
James McDonnell, PA.

Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Wire/PA Images.

Leeds back-rower James McDonnell has successfully appealed his two-match ban following a tribunal on Tuesday evening. 

The Ireland international was hit with a Grade D charge of punching by the match review panel following Leeds’ 13-12 defeat to St Helens at Headingley Stadium.

McDonnell, 23, was deemed to have punched St Helens half-back Jonny Lomax and was sent off late on in the Super League Round 13 fixture.

HHJ Sarah Wright, who chaired the operational rules tribunal, explained: “We directed ourselves in accordance with the appropriate burden and standard of proof namely that the compliance manager bears the burden of proof and has to establish that the misconduct has occurred to the reasonable satisfaction of the tribunal bearing in mind the seriousness of the allegation.

“The standard of proof is greater than a mere balance of probability but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

“We reviewed footage including a substantial amount of footage that had not been broadcast and footage which had not been seen by the Match Review Panel.

“No punch can be seen on the footage.”

“The player together with Matt Cook [Leeds Rhinos general manager] took us through a detailed analysis of the footage.

“It showed beyond doubt that Jonny Lomax was injured and bleeding heavily before the incident involving James McDonnell.

“No punch can be seen on the footage, and it was conceded by the RFL compliance manager on behalf of the Match Review Panel that the footage was inconclusive.

“We were able to view the incident from a number of angles and did not see a punch thrown.

“We accept entirely that the touch judge was genuinely certain that at the time he saw a punch.

“However, he was not able to point out the punch on the footage. We cannot rule out the fact that he may have been genuinely mistaken and therefore cannot be satisfied to the appropriate standard that a punch was thrown and we allow the appeal.”

There were no other bans in Super League following Round 13, but three more players were fined.

Super League sanctions from Round 13:

James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade D Punching – 2 Match Penalty Notice & £250 Fine

Sione Mata’utia (St Helens) – Grade A Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine

Nene Macdonald (Leeds Rhinos) – Grade A Other Contrary Behaviour – Not Applicable

Sauaso Sue (Hull KR) – Grade A Raising Knee in Tackle – £250 Fine

King Vuniyayawa (Salford Red Devils) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine

Casualty Ward: Havard timeframe, Tanginoa blow & Leeds down on numbers

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app