Salford Red Devils could be hit with heavy fans following an outbreak of anti-social behaviour at their recent game against Hull KR this past weekend, where fans were reported for letting off pyrotechnics, throwing beers across the stands and two men were arrested on suspicion of assault.
The Greater Manchester rugby league side lost 12-0 in a fraught Super League fixture both on and off the performance on Saturday, 16 September, with the travelling Red Devils having to make their own inside Hull’s Craven Park stadium.
Sadly, however, the atmosphere amongst many supporters took a less-than-desirable turn for some as flares were set off in the stands and Salford fans reportedly began throwing beers at the home section.
According to local press, some of the anti-social behaviour took place outside of the ground as well, with five individuals being ejected from the stadium and two men being arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm. Salford issued a response condemning the behaviour a couple of days later.
Salford Red Devils are set to punish their own fans once a full investigation has been carried out.
The statement goes on to explain that they are now “investigating incidents of anti-social behaviour” at the game and details how not only did the reported incident “place others at risk” but could also “result in the club being issued heavy fines.”
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While the club insisted they “are proud of the passion so often displayed in the stands by our fans” and “understand the excitement on the field can get us all carried away at times”, they reinforced that supporters have a “collective responsibility to ensure a respectful and safe environment for all to enjoy.”
Recognising that incidents of disorder were only committed by a small group of fans, they reiterated that they “should not and will not be allowed to give our supporters a bad name”, assuring that they will now be taking appropriate action and issuing bans where necessary.
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Speaking to ITV, fan Becky Green said that another woman in the stands had brought along her daughter for her first game and the young girl sadly had “beer thrown over her”, adding, “It’s the worst crowd of fans that we have had all years to be honest.”
Police are now said to be working with both clubs to identify the individuals responsible for the various incidents of anti-social behaviour and misconduct.
Humberside’s Chief Superintendent Christine Wilson said: “We know that the majority of people who go to rugby matches just want to support their team to win, and that was a great game marred by a small number of supporters who had the potential to cause real harm.”
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Authorities are yet to confirm where the two men arrested have been charged.
Featured Image — Salford Red Devils/Hull KR (via IG)/ Red Robins Podcast (via Twitter)
Sport
Man City fan jailed after causing £10k damage to a police vehicle following Champions League victory
Emily Sergeant
A Manchester City fan has been jailed for his part in large-scale disorder following the club’s Champions League victory.
The court heard how, following Manchester City’s Champions League Final win over Inter Milan in Istanbul in Turkey on Saturday 10 June 2023, jubilant fans flocked to the streets of Manchester city centre for late-night celebrations.
The large influx of fans in high spirits prompted a police response to ‘ensure public safety’ and ‘prevent any public disorder’, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
However, the disorder did begin to escalate despite police presence.
A number of fans, including 22-year-old Leon Blackett, scaled a police vehicle and proceeded to jump up and down on it, which subsequently caused more than £10,000 worth of damage, and resulted in the vehicle having to be written off.
#JAILED | Leon Blackett (14/01/2003) of Craigmore Avenue, has been been handed a three-month jail term for causing £10k worth of damage to a police vehicle following the club's Champions League win in 2023, along with 41 months for other offences.
Following the disorder, an investigation was launched by GMP’s City Centre policing, with officers obtaining social media and CCTV footage that helped them to identify those responsible.
Blackett admitted to the offence, after he was arrested on Thursday 19 October 2023.
Following admitting to the offence, Blackett was sentenced to 44 months in prison – a three-month jail term for this football-related offence, along with 41 months for possession of a bladed article and a domestic related communications offence.
He has also been given a seven-year Football Banning Order, commencing on the day Blackett received his sentence.
“The actions by Blackett in the wake of Manchester City’s historic Champions League Final victory were completely unacceptable,” commented PC Matt Ford, from GMP’s Specialist Operations Planning Unit.
“This is a timely reminder to those who commit crimes while following the football in another country, we will seek prosecutions for unacceptable behaviour.”
Featured Image – GMP
Sport
Six Nations to stay free-to-air as broadcasters strike new TV deal
Danny Jones
Good news for rugby fans as the Guinness Six Nations is set to remain free-to-air for the foreseeable future following a new deal being struck between the competition and its current broadcasters.
With the 2025 tournament approaching its conclusion, the organisers are already looking ahead to the next year and how to contest will be marketed, with many predicting the rights to be snapped up by a major sporting channel.
Fortunately, however, the Six Nations‘ present coverage partners have managed to keep the games as part of the current TV license package after striking a new four-year deal.
The agreement between BBC and ITV, who air all of the annual fixtures between them at the moment, will see the pair host the matches until 2029 at the very least.
As mentioned, it was thought that broadcasters and streaming platforms like TNT Sports might secure the licensing for at least part of the tournament as they continue to expand their large and varied service but, for now, UK coverage is staying right where it is.
Under the new contract, ITV will show 10 games per season, including every England match, while the BBC will air the remaining five fixtures.
BBC will also host all Wales and Scotland home games bar when the two nations play England at Murrayfieldand the Principality Stadiums, respectively.
Better still, not only will the men’s competition be staying free-to-air but BBC will continue to show every game during the Women’s Six Nations as the interest in female rugby continues to grow.
In fact, it’s having quite a boom here in Greater Manchester on its own.
Greater Mancs making strides for the next generation.
This year’s tournament has been as blockbuster and nail-baiting as ever, with England still in with a chance of winning the whole thing if they beat Wales with a bonus point – provided France fail to beat Scotland in the final game.
England’s last game gets underway at 4:45pm and it’s all to play for.
You can find all the best places to watch the remainder of the action down below:
Danny Jones -
21st September 2023 
