Salford Red Devils man handed huge ban by tribunal after Grade E charge

Salford Red Devils youngster Finley Yates has been banned for six games by an operational rules tribunal, the RFL have confirmed. Yates has been a member of Paul Rowley’s first-team squad this season given Salford’s well-documented battles with the salary cap.

He has made three appearances for the Red Devils in Super League with his last coming in the 28-6 loss to Leigh Leopards in round nine last month. However, it seems he will have to wait a month and a half or so before getting another first-team shot at the Salford Community Stadium.

The youngster has been suspended for six games after receiving the Grade E charge of unacceptable language. Given the charge severity, the incident went to tribunal, where Yates pleaded guilty to the offence via a letter.

As such, he has been handed 36 penalty points and fined £50.

Salford Red Devils man banned after reserves clash

The incident occurred in a reserves clash on April 27 against the Leopards’ second string, with Yates accused of breaching Law 15.1, which is: ‘Verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Language and/or Behaviour.’

The panel outlined their belief that Yates’ actions were serious misconduct and the RFL case report outlines how Yates apologised in his letter and accepted the words were unacceptable before adding it was out of character.

The case report also details the reason for the decision, adding: “The tribunal note the guilty plea made by the player and notice that he has expressed regret for his actions.

“They are in agreement with the proposal from the compliance manager that the player should be suspended for the minimum sanction which will be 6-matches. He will also be fined £50. 36 penalty points will be added to the player’s disciplinary record.”