BY JOHN DAVIDSON
The reason why Catalans Dragons forward Ben Garcia only received a four-game suspension for punching has been revealed.
Garcia faced a tribunal and a charge of striking after being red-carded against Hull KR on Friday night.
Many expected the Catalans back-rower to receive a longer ban for his wild actions against the Robins.
But Garcia was handed just four matches, a fine and 28 penalty points after pleading guilty.
Damian Irvine, of Acquiesce Sports, represented Garcia at the tribunal and says the Frenchman’s ban was reduced because of the charge used by the MRP initially.
“I’m not advocating onfield disciplinary breaches but rules are rules and the laws are the laws, and participants are often charged with a grade or definition that is too specific or sometimes not specific enough,” Irvine told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“Ben was wrong, he admitted it and was very remorseful.
“But every player should get advice on their charge letter before responding in any way to a charge and Ben and Catalans did that which ensured they received a fair outcome under the laws “
“The initial reports and indication by the MRP that he was facing a minimum 6 week ban under the laws wasn’t correct, it’s four.
“If the MRP had charged Ben with striking after provocation on the first count, when he was shouldered from behind off the ball, and if they charged him for the second one as striking in self-defence – with three Hull KR players rushing at him aggressively – then the case wouldn’t even have been defended.
“It’s a simple four matches, plead guilty. But the MRP grading erroneously as six matches minimum – it was the wrong call and straight to tribunal.
“So Ben could have gotten eight, 10 or 12 weeks. He needed an advocate and representation.
“It’s worth pointing out that the MRP is a very small resource with one compliance officer managing all disciplinary matters at all levels of the sport day to to day and they do try and work with participants on charges where they can to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome”
Acquiesce Sports has had success in recent RFL tribunals, getting Luke Keary’s fine reduced from £3000 to £1000, and Alan Kilshaw’s punishment reduced from 12 months to three months.
The minutes of Garcia’s tribunal have not been published by the RFL.
The RFL have been approached for comment.