Hudgell takes aim at Salford over RFL fine

Hull KR chairman Neil Hudgell has accepted the RFL fine handed to the Robins, in relation to the crowd trouble at the Million Pound Game at KCOM Craven Park last season.

But he has also queried why his club has been so harshly treated, and feels that the whole disciplinary process has been flawed.

He has also implied that Salford played a significant role in instigating the incidents of crowd trouble, by highlighting a number of events which he felt contributed.

These included Dr Marwan Koukash, the Salford owner, heading onto the pitch to celebrate his club’s dramatic win with a giant cardboard cheque.

The RFL has imposed a fine of £25,000 on Rovers, £20,000 of which has been suspended. Hudgell has accepted that there were faults in his club’s handling of the Million Pound Game.

Salford were handed a fine of £10,000, £7,500 of which was suspended.

“We accepted the RFL adjudication for two reasons, the first being for expediency’s sake as we preferred the matter be put to bed,” said Hudgell.

“Secondly, for accountability, as there were failings in the match day operations and a minority let us and the vast majority of supporters down with their appalling behaviour.

“We are still seeking some of those people out to issue appropriate banning orders.

“What I didn’t know at the time of accepting the adjudication was that we would be more harshly dealt with than Salford.

“I do not seek a fall out with that club but I’m here to defend my club and its very many loyal and passionate supporters.

“I cannot understand why we have been more harshly treated given the following matters:

“Salford had a very recent finding of crowd misconduct and 12 other related incidents recorded against them.

“Salford gave media statements overstating the level of their support by more than two-fold, this meaning the unnecessary deployment of stewards to the south end of the stadium.

“Salford fans entered the field of play first.

“Salford’s owner aggravated the situation with his unsporting actions post-game.

“Set against that, we as a club have a clear record of good crowd behaviour going back several years.

“In summary, I accept our culpability and we will continue to work hard to rid the club of the minority who bring shame on it, but I fail to follow the basis on which the sanction has been set by an administrator against that of the other offending club.

“It’s another nonsensical day for me in the operating practices of the RFL’s disciplinary machinery.”