Now the dust has settled and I've got my head back with <celebration mode - off> I was reflecting on some aspects of the game and the head shot on Turner decision baffles me. Mika clearly didn't maliciously attempt a head shot on Turner, but the rules state that misconduct occurs "when [someone effecting or attempting to effect a tackle makes contact with the head or neck of an opponent intentionally, recklessly or carelessly". I don't even think it was reckless but the fact it happened at all means there was some carelessness.

I could understand it if nothing was seen and the game carried on (at the time I don't think I saw it until the slo-mo), however for the game to be stopped, Turner to have his mouth smashed up and after a discussion with the touch judge the incident is put on report I can't see how anything other than a penalty could be given?

Hadn't play carried on for a few plays?

If Turner had have stayed down we'd have got a pen.

Turner did stay down but the ref ignored him for a couple of plays. Don't think you can give e penalty if play has moved on

He got up played the ball and went down again.

Just had a quick look and I cant see anything referring to play moving on (except for the advantage rule which isn't really applicable). To be honest I've seen worse refereeing decisions against the dobbins



Its the putting on report/no penalty which seemed odd; didnt realise you could have one without the other

The incident happened on 2nd tackle, as Sheldon said, had Turner stayed down he'd have got the penalty. Silverwood didn't stop play until the fifth tackle, so he couldn't go back.

Another poor decison by an official not because he didnt call a penalty more the fact you could clearly see by the way Turner was shaky when trying to play the ball and then collapsed face down he was more than a little groggy and the game should have been stopped immediately.

Yes, he was a very lucky man as I think, given the recent Sam Moa and Puletua sending off and Ian Smith's presence, deliberate or not I think he may have seen red but the play continued. FWIW, I think if he had seen red it would have being a poor decision, like with Moa and Puletua.

As it goes, given we got the victory anyway, it will probably do them more harm it going to the RFL as he is now likely to see a ban.

How many players do you know who attempt to tackle with a clenched fist?

He probably didn't see it clearly to be fair, as I'd expect even Silverback to give a penalty if he had. The fact that Turner stayed down got play stopped eventually

The problem is that we were then a man down while Mika was able to complete the game as planned. I expect he'll get a ban though. None of which benefits us of course.

I said the same thing, there was malicious intent there for anyone to see, if he doesn't get a couple of game ban then the RFL are as useless as we all suspect.

He planned to go off with a hamstring injury?

That's the problem, on report is a cop out.

Now the game has finished kind'a glad he stayed on the pitch

1. would have been an easy excuse for the dobins result
2. would have given Sulkycock another reason why he isn't to blame

I'm glad he didn't go. We can't go giving then excuses for losing!

So any news on Turner?

Despite staring directly at it Silverwood didn't see it. When he eventually stopped play Smith told him what had happened. No pen because it wasn't seen but Mika will get suspended which will help Rovers' next opponents. We have to play the majority of the game with 16 players total and a lad gets his face smashed in. The fault is with the on field officials one of whom should have seen it. Silverwood was in position A1 so the fault lies squarely with him IMO.

Agree 100%, Silverwood was useless last night, KR were their usual cheap shot selves and I think FC did very well to (largely) keep their cool.

As mentioned, you can't effect a tackle with a fist-clenched. I think there was intent there.

Looked like a cheekbone fracture to me.

My thoughts too were that as play had moved on a penalty could not be given. But Silverwood and his lino's were pi$$ poor for not seeing it, game should have been stopped immediately. Once it had been referred to Smith thought it would be a sin bin or red but guess as Silverwood allegedly saw nothing, then again he couldn't go back. Mika may not have meant it but clenched fist to the face certainly looked to have intent, Turner did well to get up and walk from the field, hope the lad does not have anything broken.

Could have been a game changer but thankfully the boys put in a stirling display. Any ban for Mika will be irrelevant as he'll be out much longer if its a hamstring tear...Karma

Didn't know he had. He would have completed the game...

no one tackles with a clenched fist, but I doubt he intended to cause that damage
why would they plan to take Turner out the game when his defensive positioning and intercept attempts could have gifted Rovers a lot of ball!?

Maybe that was the excuse they wanted for losing? "Rich Whiting moved out wide and he's just too classy for us"

this brings me back to the magic weekend derby though. silverwood stopped play for this, why didnt ganson stop when martin was down???
and i think mika should of bin sent off for that tackle, well head shot. who goes into a tackle with a clinched fist?

Sometime players clench the fist when putting a shot on with a swinging arm. However, regardless of the intention it was reckless and made contact with the head so he should be getting at least 1 game.

Charged by RFL Grade B Offence High Tackle