Summary of reasons for the decision
Judiciary Chair, The Honourable Geoffrey Bellew AM SC said in his summary of reasons that the panel felt there were four factors which supported the conclusion that a Grade 1 was appropriate.
The first was that player Cleary had initially planted his feetprior to making contact.
The second was that on the Panel’s analysis of the footage, any upward trajectory on the part of player Cleary occurred after contact had been made with the ball carrier.
Thirdly, the Panel considered that the ball carrierjuggled the ball and simultaneously lowered his body heightshortly before contact was made, which had the effect of significantly altering the point of impact.
Fourthly, the Panel were satisfied that the primary contact was player Cleary’s shoulder on the shoulder of the ball carrier.
Taking all of these factors into account, the Panel determined that the appropriate grading
was a Grade 1.
Well theres a precedent set if ever ive seen.one....