Former Salford Red Devils player backs fan group as pressure ramps up amid Manchester Mayor’s comment

The demand for answers and a resolution to the Salford Red Devils’ saga continues with a former player and the Mayor of Greater Manchester speaking out.

Salford were set to take on Wakefield Trinity at home on Sunday but that fixture has been cancelled at the request of the Red Devils, who have cited player welfare as the reason.

Nine loan players were named to face Hull FC last week and one of the key reasons why Salford are trawling the loan market is that over a dozen players have left since the start of the season.

One of those men, Tim Lafai, has now spoken out in support of Salford Red Devils’ fan group the 1873, who had previously announced a protest march ahead of Sunday’s, now cancelled, game.

The group had previously arranged a meeting with the club’s owners, however, they have since cancelled that following allegations made against ownership by the resigning Chief Operating Officer Claire Bradbury.

Bradbury said it was suggested to her that she should ‘sleep with an individual at the RFL to ‘smooth things over'”, with those allegations now being investigated by the club who released a statement late last night.

Tim Lafai and Andy Burnham speak out on Salford Red Devils’ situation

The 1873 have confirmed that their protest march will still go ahead, regardless of the game being cancelled, and former player Tim Lafai has spoken in support of the group.

Speaking ahead of the fixture cancellation in a video shared by the 1873 on their social media, Lafai said: “Hey guys, Tim Lafai here, ex-Salford player.

“I’m just letting you guys know that I’m behind the 1873 and the protest that you guys are about to start.

“I’m all for it. The fans deserve better, the players and the staff deserve better. I hope you guys get the result that you deserve and much love to you all.”

Whilst Lafai’s support is encouraging for fans and disparaging for the new owners, it’s unclear how far it will move the needle in terms of anything changing, however, Andy Burnham could be someone who does that.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has also spoken about the situation, appearing on BBC Radio Manchester to confirm that it is being tracked.

“I’ve been watching the situation very closely indeed. Paul Rowley is someone I know very well,” Burnham told BBC Radio Manchester.

“I know how difficult it’s been for him and all of the staff there at Salford. I can say I’m watching it closely.

“The question is, what can be done to change things? Obviously a consortium came in promising to clear the debts and put significant investment in. But that clearly hasn’t happened.”

Whilst Burnham himself stopped short of confirming action, he did promise that he and the Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, are across the situation and intent to do what they can to save Salford Red Devils.

Burnham said: “All I can say is that Paul (Dennett) and I will do every single thing we can to protect one of the most historic names, not just in rugby league but in sport as a whole.

“Our commitment is there. Obviously we can’t just conjure up the funding, but from both of us, we massively recognise the role of rugby league in Salford and Greater Manchester and we can’t let a proud name like this be left to rot.

“We will do everything we can and pull out all of the stops to support Salford as they go forward from here.”

From Australia, to Salford Tim Lafai sends his love, his pride, and his support for every fan standing up against the clubs ownership this Sunday.

Still red to the core.

This Sunday, we make history.
This Sunday, we make our voices heard.

The 1873 pic.twitter.com/qXNbgavFCd

— The 1873 (@The1873_) August 15, 2025