Revealed: Why Gil Dudson only received a five match ban

On Tuesday, Gil Dudson was handed a five match ban for his punch on Tom Johnstone during Warrington Wolves’ win over his former side Catalans Dragons.

Many were surprised that the ban was not more substantial as they likened it to the red card received by Ben Flower in the 2014 Super League Grand Final.

However, notes from the match review panel reveal why he only received a five match ban. They read as follows:

Summary of CM’s submissions on the appropriate sanction:
Unprovoked assault on an opponent in a vulnerable position. Unsightly image for the sport.

Summary of Player’s submissions on the appropriate sanction:
The player has apologised. The player thought he was provoked but accepts he overreacted to the situation and is remorseful for his actions. The player accepts he does not have a good recent disciplinary record.

Aggravating Factors:
12/09/23 – Strikes with head – 3 matches
14/02/23 – Strikes – Punching – 3 matches
03/07/21 – Dangerous Contact – 1 match
10/05/21 – Dangerous Contact – 1 match

Reasons for Decision:
The Tribunal are in no doubt this was graded correctly, and this act needs eradicating from the sport. The Tribunal note Mr Dudson does have previous recent history of these type of violent acts and if it were not for the contrition in Mr Dudson’s apology and actions taken by his Club then the Tribunal would have imposed the highest sanction available under this Grade. Accordingly, the Tribunal believe that a 5 match suspension and a £750 fine is appropriate in this instance.

Suspension:
5 matches