Koukash ready to speak against points deduction
SALFORD owner Marwan Koukash claims he has fresh evidence that will exonerate his club ahead of an appeal against a points deduction that was set to take place at a hearing yesterday.
The Red Devils were docked six points and fined £5,000 by a Rugby Football League independent tribunal in April after being found guilty of breaching the Super League salary cap in 2014.
Koukash has steadfastly maintained his club’s innocence and was set to personally present his case to a London-based arbitration company Sport Resolutions which was to hear the appeal in Manchester.
“We have further evidence that will demonstrate beyond doubt that we have not breached the cap at all,” Koukash said.
The outcome could have major repercussions on the league table, with Salford currently in the bottom four as a result of the points deduction.
If the Red Devils were to get all their points back, it would lift them three places to sixth and increase the pressure on Widnes, Castleford and Wakefield to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight with just three rounds left before the split for the Super 8s.
Koukash said he expected a decision would be made at the hearing yesterday, but Castleford coach Daryl Powell believes the matter should have been resolved long before now.
“It’s late, with three games left,” Powell said. “Why it’s taken this long is a little bit ridiculous. Everybody is working from a different platform and it’s pretty unfair to be honest. It should have happened sooner.
“It’s dragged on and on, it should have been dealt with swiftly.
“If you’ve got 10 games to go, you’ve at least got some manoeuvre-ability.”
ON THIS DAY
Sunday, July 7, 1996 DESPITE recovering from an early deficit to take a 10-8 lead, the Chemics returned from Featherstone beaten 31-14.
The lead came through tries from Mick Pechey and Peter Smith and a goal from Christian Tyrer, but with three tries disallowed they struggled to make an impact.
Featherstone dominated the second half and Widnes were restricted to a single try when Shane Cooper burrowed over. ● Widnes Vikings – On This Day available now at £9.99 from the Vikings Superstore.