Salford could face points deduction after charge over fielding 14 men

Club could be fined or even docked competition points

Salford have been charged with a breach of regulations after they fielded 14 players for a period during their 34-30 win over Castleford in coach Brian Noble's first Super League match.

Castleford chief executive Steve Gill has claimed that three plays took place while the Reds had an extra man after making a substitution four minutes from the end last Saturday's match.

Salford held on for a win that lifted them off the foot of the table.

The Tigers lodged a formal complaint with the Rugby Football League, who said today the matter will be dealt with by an RFL operational rules tribunal next Wednesday.

If Salford are found guilty of breaking the rules, they could be fined or even docked competition points if there is a case of "misconduct which impinges on the integrity of the competition".

In 2006, St Helens were charged with misconduct after a similar incident against Hull and later fined £100.

However, in 2009 NRL outfit Canterbury Bulldogs forfeited winning points against Penrith for fielding 14 players during their 28-26 victory.

Salford chief executive Ed Farish said: "We'll be co-operating fully with the League in their efforts to clear the matter up."

PA