BY JOHN DAVIDSON
The RFL has confirmed it will investigate the pitch invasions and crowd disturbance that occurred during Salford Red Devils’ final game of the season last Friday night against Wakefield, and a heavy punishment could follow.
Salford’s final regular season saw a pitch invasion that interrupted the match, during the 73rd minute, and then a second one at full-time when more than a hundred fans ran onto the pitch at the Salford Community Stadium.
Throughout the game and before kick-off there were protests and chants against the club’s ownership, with the owners seen from a box goading several supporters during the match.
The RFL has told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads that its compliance unit will be looking into all of the incidents, and if found guilty, the Red Devils could face a large punishment.
The RFL has come down hard on pitch invasions before.
In 2023 Leigh were slapped with a £12,000 fine for a semi-final Challenge Cup pitch invasion, while Catalans faced a big fine for a pitch invasion at their ground in the same year.
Salford has stated publicly that: “Multiple acts of criminality took place within the stadium, targeting both club, stadium and catering property. Vital pitch equipment, including post protectors, corner flags, and other match day essentials were taken from the field of play. A TV was also stolen from the concourse area.
“All in-game match balls were stolen before the final whistle from both sides of play. Beyond this, several items of tunnel-side and bench-line electronic and performance equipment, essential tools used by our players and coaching staff, were also taken.
“These items are not just used by our first team. Much of this equipment, like sub coats and tackle shields, are regularly passed down to support our Women’s team and player development pathways. The theft therefore directly harms the wider club and community.
“These incidents are being treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“Stadium security are currently reviewing the matter in full, and we are working closely with all relevant parties to understand exactly what took place. We encourage anyone who may have information to come forward and assist with the ongoing review contact.
“We are extremely disappointed by the pitch invasion and use of flares during the game, particularly after the club issued clear communication earlier in the week outlining the importance of safety and responsible behaviour.
“These actions are not only unacceptable but also pose a serious risk to the health and safety of players, staff, spectators, and all match day personnel.
“Salford Red Devils take the safety and wellbeing of everyone at our games extremely seriously, and we must be clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“We understand that this behaviour does not reflect the actions or values of the majority of our supporters; however, it cannot and will not be accepted.”