Red Devils’ Carney is charged with racial abuse of player

SALFORD winger Justin Carney has been hit with a Grade F charge - the most serious category available following his dismissal during the Challenge Cup victory over Toronto Wolfpack.

The Australian was sent off in the immediate aftermath of the Canadian side’s third try midway through the first half and accused of using ‘verbal abuse based on race/colour’.

Coach Ian Watson declined to comment after the match on the reasoning behind the red card, which had appeared to be shown for dissent.

“I’m waiting to see the referee’s report and [I’ll] speak to the guys involved before I can comment,” he explained.

However, the club released a statement soon after confirming it was investigating the incident.

“The club will work closely with the RFL and all parties involved over the coming days to investigate the incident thoroughly.

“Neither the Red Devils nor the player will be releasing any further comment at this stage.”

Carney will attend an RFL disciplinary hearing this evening and is expected to contest the charge. If found guilty, the minimum suspension is eight matches, but the RFL guidelines include provisions for a “period suspension” much like the six-month ban handed to Ben Flower after he punched Lance Hohaia in the 2014 Grand Final.

No Red Devils players have been called up to the England squad for the Test against Samoa in two weeks’ time. However, Wigan will be without George Williams and Sean O’Loughlin for the match against Salford that weekend after both were named in Wayne Bennett’s travelling squad.