Salford Red Devils lose points deduction appeal

Salford Red Devils have lost their appeal against a six-point deduction for breaching the Super League salary cap.

The punishment was imposed by the Rugby Football League in April after they were found guilty by an independent tribunal of irregularities during 2014 and 2015.

The RFL agreed to a request made by Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash to have the appeal heard by specialised dispute service Sport Resolutions, rather than a tribunal appointed by the league.

That did not result in a positive outcome for Koukash and his team, though.

In a Twitter post on Thursday, he said: "Unfortunately the appeal has not been successful."

Salford released a statement on their website confirming the six-point deduction and £5000 fine handed down by the RFL will stand.

"The decision today from Sports Resolutions clearly shows that the RFL disciplinary process is robust and fair," an RFL spokesperson said.

"It is of utmost importance that clubs adhere to the salary cap and that if they are found to have broken it they are held to account."

Koukash had also called for a vote of no confidence in the RFL but received little in the way of support from his fellow club chairmen.