This is what I just posted on our board - (If you can't be bothered to read it, basically, it's a bullshït decision):
jinkin jimmy wrote:
This is interesting.if the ref doesn't think an offence was committed against him I would also like to see the incident before joining the condemnation. Hock's first referee offence was a deliberate grab, this sounds like something completely different.
This is entirely different.
My first reaction was "I'm not surprised. He's an idiot".
However, having ready the disciplinary report, Denis Betts, Hock and even the official all agree that this was accidentalt contact whilst chasing back into the defensive line, with the official running back too, in wet conditions that meant Hock slipped into him.
He, apparently, didn't even raise his arms, which you would do if you were deliberately running in to someone to shove them out of the way.
Fecking joke if you ask me.
RFL Disciplinary Panel wrote:
Hearing conducted by Skype with Head Coach Dennis Betts and player.
Player pleads not guilty to deliberate contact with the Official.
Mr Betts points out there were no deliberate contact with the referee.
The player was chasing back and accidentally caught the Official as he was running back.
It was raining heavily and conditions underfoot were poor and it was hard to change direction.
Player does not lift his arms up he is scrambling back in defence and trying to get to the ball as quickly as possible.
Coach spoke to official after game and official made no complaint about the incident.
In the context of the game there was nothing deliberate or intentional on the part of the player.
Aggravating Factors :
Previous record for a similar offence.
Reasons for Decision
In deciding the appropriate sanction the tribunal take into account the players previous disciplinary history, two cases of which involved conduct towards match officials.
The tribunal are satisfied the player had no intention to cause injury to the Official.
The contact was unnecessary and avoidable. Officials have to be protected and the tribunal feel this is a serious matter.
Taking into account all the circumstances the tribunal feel that a 4 match suspension and £300 fine are appropriate.
I'm sorry, but that is bullshït.
1 offense was for grabbing the sleeve of a ref and turning him round to talk to (stupid)
2nd offense was for swearing at the ref (more stupidity)
This makes it seem like Hock goes ref-hunting.
Total witch-hunt without cause.
