RFL launches inquiry after violence mars Salford triumph
The Rugby Football League is to investigate crowd trouble that marred the end of the Million-Pound Game.
Fans of both Salford and Hull KR invaded the pitch at the Lightstream Stadium both at the end of 80 minutes and after golden-point extra time following the Red Devils’ dramatic win over Rovers that preserved their Super League status and condemned their opponents to relegation.
Salford were trailing 18-10 with two minutes remaining before hitting back with two last-gasp tries, and their astonishing comeback was sealed when Gareth O’Brien landed an outrageous 50 metre drop-goal attempt.
There were then ugly scenes as fighting broke out and stewards attempted to control the melee before police flooded on to the field and restrained the alleged culprits.
“Games with so much at stake often mean emotions run high, but that does not excuse the minority of fans who behaved unacceptably following the final whistle,” said RFL chief executive Nigel Wood. “The RFL will conduct a full investigation into these incidents and will work with the police and club involved to ensure anyone found to have acted violently is dealt with appropriately and also banned with immediate effect.”
There was little hint of the drama to come after the home side charged to a deserved 10-0 lead. Prop Adam Walker crashed over from short range for the first try, which was converted by winger Josh Mantellato, who produced an acrobatic finish for the second.
Salford looked lethargic at that stage but second rower Ben Murdoch-Masila took a pass from former Hull KR captain Michael Dobson to barge his way over on 19 minutes and Niall Evalds accepted a cut-out pass from full-back O’Brien to add a second try 10 minutes before the break.
O’Brien’s conversion levelled the scores but Hull KR finished the first half strongly. There seemed to be no way back for Salford after Thomas Minns won the race to a grubber kick to claim Rovers’ third try.
Mantellato’s touchline goal put two scores between the sides, but Evalds sparked the late fightback by crossing in the left corner on 78 minutes and, in the last desperate act, right winger Greg Johnson crossed at the other corner to tie the scores.