Red Devils fined for fixture failure

18 Dec 2020

Red Devils fined for fixture failure

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

The Red Devils withdrew from their scheduled match against Warrington Wolves on Friday October 30, informing the RFL that they had only 13 players available for selection, after fixture congestion arising from their involvement in the Challenge Cup Final.

Warrington were awarded a 24-0 victory, and the matter referred to the RFL Compliance Department, as Salford did not meet the specific requirements identified under the RFL’s Covid protocols for withdrawing from a fixture – a minimum of seven players ruled out as a direct result of Covid-19 (either through a positive test or contact tracing).

The RFL has to ensure the integrity of its competitions at all times, which includes the fulfilment of fixtures by all Clubs. However, the level of sanction recognises the unique circumstances that Clubs, including Salford, faced during the 2020 Season and the co-operation that the RFL received from the Club during its investigation.