RFL appoint independent investigator for off-field brawl in Perpignan

Drew Darbyshire 06 Aug 2019 1:19 PM

The Rugby Football League has appointed an independent investigator to compile a report on the ugly off-field scenes at the Catalans-Warrington game on Saturday.

Fighting off the pitch marred the end of the Dragons’ 30-10 win over the Wolves at the Stade Gilbert Brutus on Saturday.

Fans were seen trying to climb into the hospitality area at the Stade Gilbert Brutus with reports of items being thrown.

The investigation, which is on going, will review evidence from a range of sources, including video evidence obtained from broadcasts inside the ground and posted online.

Fighting occurred on the field and those incidents have been dealt with by the RFL’s match review panel.

Five Catalans players have been suspended. Sam Tomkins, who was sent off alongside Michael McIlorum at the end of the game, receives a three-match penalty notice.

Team-mates Brayden Wiliame (dangerous throw), Mickael Simon (head butt), and McIlorum (high tackle) all received one match penalty notices.

Dragons forward Kenny Edwards has been formally charged for inciting the crowd during the off-field events and this case will be considered by an independent RFL tribunal at a hearing on Tuesday, August 6.

The only Warrington player to get a ban was Tom Lineham, who got a one-match penalty notice for striking with the shoulder.