Salford fans launch fundraiser to apologise for brawl

Supporters of the Salford Red Devils have launched a fundraiser as a way of apologising for the fighting that occured in the stands after the club’s win at Huddersfield last weekend.

The page has been launched by Red Devils supporter Ryan Wilkinson and is aiming to show remorse for the events that happened in the away end at the John Smith’s Stadium. 

With the Red Devils edging the Giants in a close 26-24 victory, the Salford players approached the away fans to thank them for their support following the win. However, they found a fight had broken out close to the players and staff’s family members. 

Players such as Justin Carney and Junior Sa’u ended up amongst supporters in an attempt to protect their families. Writing on the JustGiving page, Wilkinson has spoken about the want to show remorse for what has happened.

“Following the Salford Red Devil’s tremendous 24-26 Easter Monday victory over the Huddersfield Giants at the John Smith’s Stadium, a number of fans became involved in an altercation which the families of the players and coaching staff became stuck in the middle of. Understandably this resulted in a number of players entering the stands to protect their loved ones and to divert them away from the altercation and the risk of potential harm.

“Salford Red Devil’s fans are a proud and passionate bunch. We have always enjoyed a great relationship with the players and their families of our club and we are adamant that this incident will not affect this. Instead, we see it as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between players and fans and ensure they are fully aware that the actions of a few do not represent that of the majority.

“As a token of our compassion and in an attempt to say ‘we are sorry’ to the players, the coaches, the owner and their families we are aiming to raise enough money to purchase the wives of the players involved in the incident with a bouquet of flowers, as well as gift vouchers for the children with any spare funds donated to a charity of the players choice.

“A full letter of apology will also be drafted and issued to the players from the Salford Red Devils fans.”

The link to the JustGiving page is here if anyone does wish to donate to the cause: https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/salfordrugbyleague