Salford owner looks at life ban for fans

Former NRL players Justin Carney and Junior Sa'u from Salford have become involved in a heated exchange with their own fans after beating Huddersfield.

Marwan Koukash will ban for life anyone found to have been involved in the trouble that marred the end of his Salford side's win at Huddersfield on Monday.

A flare was thrown from the away end at the John Smith's Stadium and some fans entered the field of play and, amidst the trouble, some Salford players entered the stand out of concern for their watching families.

Within seconds of the whistle being blown on Salford's 26-24 win, photographs emerged on social media of former NRL players Justin Carney and Junior S'au becoming embroiled in ugly scenes with sections of the Salford fans, with one particular photo showing New Zealander S'au appearing to restrain a fan on the ground.

Press Association Sport was told Carney and S'au were concerned for their families and went into the stand to check on them, leading to further scenes of confrontation.

Huddersfield have said the incident was caused by the lighting and subsequent throwing of a flare by two unidentified supporters, with the club ready to assist the Rugby Football League with an investigation.

And Salford owner Koukash has promised the strongest possible action against anyone found to have caused trouble.

Speaking on talkSPORT he said: "We have asked for the CCTV from Huddersfield. The minority who caused the trouble, who I called thugs, will not be associated with our club or the sport. We will make sure they never attend a rugby league game again."

Koukash added that the daughter of a member of the club's coaching staff had to be checked over in hospital after the fracas, and defended the actions of Carney and S'au.

He added: "You go towards your fans at the end of the game to acknowledge their support and when you see your family are there and need your help, regardless of whether you're a policeman or a player, the human instinct is to jump in and help them out.

"That's the only reason the two players, Junior and Justin, jumped in, to help their kids and their wives. One of the kids ended up going to hospital, the daughter of our strength and conditioning coach. It's not ideal for them to jump in but what else do you expect?"

While Salford are to investigate the matter, the Rugby Football League is to also look into it.

Commenting on Monday night, RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "We will conduct a full investigation into the events that took place in the away section of the crowd at the game between Huddersfield and Salford.

"We do not condone violence of any kind and will ensure that anyone found to have acted improperly is dealt with accordingly."


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Source: AAP

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