RFL acts to punish teams over Good Friday fan misconduct
Hull FC v Hull Kingston Rovers Betfred Super League 07/04/2023. TRY Hull Kingston Rovers loose forward Elliot Minchella 13 scores in front of the Hull KR supporters during the Betfred Super League match between Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers at the MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England on 7 April 2023. Kingston upon Hull MKM Stadium East Riding of Yorkshire England Editorial use only , Copyright: xMickxAtkinsx PSI-17196-0042
Good Friday is always a busy day in the rugby league calendar and this year was no different.
It played host to the self-tiled ‘Good Friday Derby’ between Wigan and St Helens which sae a huge attendance of over 24,000 at the DW stadium.
Wigan ran out victors thanks in part due to a Joe Shorrocks masterclass in the halves including a monster try-saving tackle on Morgan Knowles.
The other two fixtures that day came at the MKM and at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.
Hull FC hosted Hull KR in front of over 20,000 and Barrow hosted their own derby against Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven.
Those are the two games that the RFL have taken action in regards to with a statement issued today.
“Whitehaven and Barrow Raiders have been fined for the misbehaviour of their supporters in their Betfred Championship fixture on Good Friday.
“Each club has been fined £2,000, but £1,500 of Barrow’s fine has been suspended because of their proactive approach following the incident.
“Hull KR have been warned following incidents of supporter misbehaviour in their Betfred Super League derby against Hull FC, also on Good Friday.”
There were reports on social media of fan disruption at the MKM from the visiting fans at the time and the RFL have issued a warning to the Robins.
As for the Championship sides they’ve both been fined, albeit home side Barrow have 75% of their fine suspended due to the way they approached the situation in the aftermath.
Rovers defeated FC 40-0 that day whilst Whitehaven edged out Barrow 16-14 in a brilliant day of rugby league, albeit slightly tarnished by the action of some fans hence this retrospective action.