Salford Red Devils’ dreadful 2025 has gone from bad to worse in the last 24 hours, with their season now bookended by a two-point deduction for fielding a weakened side in their season opener against St Helens and the club issuing a statement this morning about crowd trouble at their most recent, and final, game against Wakefield at the weekend.
The points deduction relates to their record 82-0 defeat at St Helens back in February, when the club named just 16 players, including eight debutantes, for their opener in the midst of growing financial troubles. The deduction comes along with a £5,000 fine, half of which is suspended until 2029.
The Rugby Football League said in a statement: “Over the last month, the Salford management have accepted that the team chosen for the match was significantly weaker than it needed to be and several First Team players advertised as being unable to play in the match were in fact available to be selected. The club accept that this offence merited a points deduction.”
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Although the sanction does not affect Salford’s 12th place in the final league standings, with a final tally of four instead of their previous six points, it is a major blow for their IMG gradings score. This rating has replaced points-based promotion and relegation in the Superleague and takes into account on-field performance, finances, stadium facilities, community value and support to in give clubs an overall score – any breach of operational rules results in a 0.25 points deduction, which could impact Salford’s chances of remaining in the Superleague next year. The club already declined to apply for the non-automatic Superleague spots earlier this month.
Pouring oil on troubled waters, fans held a protest at the clubs final game of the season, a 52-16 home defeat to Wakefield, which the club has addressed in a statement this morning, with a section of fans accused of acts including stealing match balls and carrying out a pitch invasion:
“Following on from our last home game against Wakefield Trinity, it is with great disappointment and frustration that Salford Red Devils must address a number of serious incidents that occurred towards the end of the game and after the final hooter.
“Multiple acts of criminality took place within the stadium, targeting both club, stadium and catering property. Vital pitch equipment, including post protectors, corner flags, and other match day essentials were taken from the field of play. A TV was also stolen from the concourse area.
“All in-game match balls were stolen before the final whistle from both sides of play. Beyond this, several items of tunnel-side and bench-line electronic and performance equipment, essential tools used by our players and coaching staff, were also taken.
“These items are not just used by our first team. Much of this equipment, like sub coats and tackle shields, are regularly passed down to support our Women’s team and player development pathways. The theft therefore directly harms the wider club and community.
“These incidents are being treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“Stadium security are currently reviewing the matter in full, and we are working closely with all relevant parties to understand exactly what took place.
“We are extremely disappointed by the pitch invasion and use of flares during the game, particularly after the club issued clear communication earlier in the week outlining the importance of safety and responsible behaviour.”
“These actions are not only unacceptable but also pose a serious risk to the health and safety of players, staff, spectators, and all match day personnel.
“Salford Red Devils take the safety and wellbeing of everyone at our games extremely seriously, and we must be clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“We understand that this behaviour does not reflect the actions or values of the majority of our supporters; however, it cannot and will not be accepted.”
