Salford fined after withdrawing from fixture

Salford Red Devils have been fined £15,000, half of it suspended, for failing to fulfil a fixture during the 2020 Super League season.

Salford withdrew from their scheduled match against Warrington Wolves on Friday October 30, informing the RFL that they had only 13 players available for selection.

This was a result of fixture congestion arising from their involvement in the Challenge Cup Final.

Warrington were awarded a 24-0 victory, and the matter was referred to the RFL Compliance Department.

This is because Salford did not meet the specific requirements identified under the RFL’s Covid protocols for withdrawing from a fixture. Which is a minimum of seven players ruled out as a direct result of Covid-19.

Salford responded by saying they were “incredibly disappointed” with the RFL’s findings.

They said: “The Club made every effort to fulfil all fixtures, with additional recruitment to the squad despite no threat of relegation, and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols, which prevented rescheduling as a consequence of outbreaks within the Red Devils group.

“At a time when other sports have been criticised for their approaches to player welfare, Salford Red Devils are disappointed that the RFL have not supported the stance taken by the Club. This will not alter the Club’s priorities and approach going forward.”