Salford pitch invasion as Devils set to exit Super League

Molly Fairhurst

Salford pitch invasion as Devils set to exit Super League image

Chaos erupted in the final minutes of what appears to be Salford Red Devils' last appearance in the Super League for the foreseeable future.

A try from Salford's Jack Walker in the 74th minute caused play to halt as fans flooded onto the pitch.

Flares were ignited, and players were swiftly escorted away from the scene.

It was a brief respite in the second half, during which Wakefield controlled the game and secured an impressive 52-16 victory.

The Devils had put in a strong first half against Trinity, trailing by just 6 points at half-time, with the score at 12-18.

However, they were dismantled in the final forty minutes by a dominant and assertive Yorkshire side, with three tries from Cam Scott and one from youngster Harvey Smith, ending their final game of the season on a high.

Wakefield had secured their position in the top six before the match, as Hull FC lost 22-26 to Catalan Dragons.

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Finishing in the top six is something Wakefield haven't achieved in 13 years - achieving this just two years after a dismal 2023 campaign that saw them relegated to the Championship.

Following the final hooter, fans returned once again to the pitch to protest against the Devil's ownership amid a months-long controversy surrounding the struggling side.

Supporters group The 1873 made their presence known before the match by marching to the ground.

A large roaming tifo was also displayed across the ground in the build-up to the final game.

In addition, unsettled fans attempted to storm the box of the owners' group before full-time as tempers boiled over.

Dissent had been growing throughout the week in response to the news that a bridging loan meant to address some of Salford's issues had not materialised despite promises from ownership.

It was also revealed that the Devils had not applied for a Super League licence for the 2026 season, effectively sealing their fate as exiting the top flight.

For fans of Devils and rugby league, the disappointing season at Salford and the urgent outcry from supporters will be a disappointing end to the 2025 season.

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Molly Fairhurst

Molly Fairhurst is a freelance contributor for The Sporting News and sports journalist from Wakefield with a range of interests from rugby league to Formula One. As an all-rounder, Molly delivers comprehensive coverage and insightful analysis across multiple sports, with a particular focus on the nuances that make each unique. Whether it’s breaking news or in-depth features, Molly brings a sharp eye for detail and a deep passion for the games they cover.