Salford fans show incredible support in Perpignan despite 42-0 defeat

Salford Red Devils played Catalans Dragons on Saturday evening in a very hot and humid Perpignan with their season on the brink of slipping away and sadly for Paul Rowley’s men it was another crushing defeat.

It was the fifth defeat in a row, a series of results that have seen them slip out of the playoffs where they are now two points short and seriously lacking on points difference.

The points difference was massively damaged yesterday as the top of the table Dragons ran up a score of 42-0, keeping what is usually quite a potent Salford attack to zero points whilst running in seven tries themselves.

It raised plenty of questions for Salford fans with worries and fears over missing the playoffs but also wondering what was happening higher up at the club after the sale of Tyler Dupree.

The England international prop signed a three year deal earlier this year, whilst the club also raised over £300.000 to become a community owned side and yet investment in the squad hasn’t happened, only able to name 19 men for their travelling squad.

One group who did travel was the faithful Salford fans as they took over Perpignan and more than supported their side, including all the way to the final whistle despite the huge score line that their side had succumbed to.

After the game the club took to social media to thank the incredible travelling support, attaching a video of the fans in the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

https://twitter.com/SalfordDevils/status/1685392623433809920?s=20

It was an incredible noise made for any set of fans, never mind a set who had just seen their side slip to a 42-0 defeat, and captain for the day Ryan Brierley appeared visibly emotional at the outpouring of support.

Another man in Perpignan who noted the incredible away support was Steve Brady, known to some as Catalan Media on Twitter, with the journalist based in the South of France and he made a specific point to credit the incredible away support.

Last word on last night (I promise), when some people ask what value do French teams bring to @SuperLeague, they should just ask this lot.
So many fans tell us the French trips are the highlight of their season.
When you're reimagining the game, it's good to listen.
❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/mDzZupd9eZ

— Catalan Media 🇨🇵 (@catalanmedia) July 30, 2023

Brady also spoke about the value that Catalans bring to Super League, which some fans still argue against despite the fact they’re becoming one of the better teams in Super League.

He even hinted that IMG need to be aware of the huge pull that an away day in the South of France is for fans.

His tweet read: “Last word on last night (I promise), when some people ask what value do French teams bring to Super League, they should just ask this lot. So many fans tell us the French trips are the highlight of their season. When you’re reimagining the game, it’s good to listen.”

Catalans were the first French side to enter Super League and one of just two to ever compete after Toulouse Olympique featured in the 2022 season.