Why Toulouse Olympique star Lucas Albert was banned for a ‘crocodile’ tackle

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Zane Tetevano (Leeds) – Grade B Late Hit on Passer – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Brad Fash (Hull FC) – Grade E Biting – Refer to Tribunal
Lucas Albert (Catalans) – Grade C Dangerous Contact – Crocodile – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Joe Chan (Catalans) – Grade C Dangerous Throw – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Konrad Hurrell (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – Crusher – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Sam Powell (Wigan) – Grade E Dangerous Contact – Crusher – Refer to Tribunal

None of the above penalty notices will take effect until midnight on Wednesday, which means each player is eligible for the Betfred Super League fixtures taking place on Easter Monday.

The Operational Rules Tribunal meets on Wednesday 20April, and will consider cases from Hull FC’s Brad Fash, Wigan’s Sam Powell and anyone else who should choose to appeal – in addition to cases from Monday’s fixtures, which will be considered by the Match Review Panel on Tuesday 19 April.

What might be interesting is the two-match penalty notice handed to Lucas Albert for a ‘crocodile’ tackle.

The minutes reveal that: “Law 15.1(i) Dangerous Contact Defender uses any part of their body forcefully to twist, bend or apply pressure to the limb or limbs of an opposing player in a way that involves an unacceptable risk of injury to that player. Grade C.”