Salford Red Devils said it will launch a ‘thorough investigation’ into allegations from its former chief operating officer that the ownership ‘suggested she sleep with an individual at the RFL to smooth things over’ for the club.
The club says in response to the allegations it is ‘determined to establish the facts and take any necessary action’.
Claire Bradbury posted on LinkedIn on August 14 announcing her resignation at the rugby league club, making claims that she faced misogynistic and unacceptable language while in post.
In her statement, Ms Bradbury said the team has been left with ‘a decimated squad and a historic club with its soul being ripped out.’ – Full letter below
Salford Red Devils was bought by a consortium in February, who said they would clear the club’s debts and put significant investment into the team.
But since then the club has fallen into crisis, losing a series of key players and at times struggling to pay staff salaries.
They were also hit with a sustainability cap by the Rugby Football League in January, with the team ‘directed to sell’ players.
Ms Bradbury claimed in her statement: ‘It’s important to share something more personal as a senior woman in business.
‘Misogynistic, inappropriate language from the ownership suggesting I sleep with an individual at the RFL to ‘smooth things over’ is not acceptable.
‘At the time I stayed quiet because I wanted the club to succeed. I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t stand up to it then, so I’m voicing it now as it should be heard for the integrity and evolution of rugby league, and for all women who work in sport.’
Salford Red Devils said it condemns any forms of inappropriate language and behaviour.
The club said in a statement: “It has been alleged by a former member of the Salford Red Devils staff, who departed the club on August 12, 2025, that she was subjected to inappropriate verbal conduct by the owners of the club.
“Salford Red Devils unequivocally condemns any and all forms of inappropriate language and behaviour. We treat such allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring that our club environment remains respectful, professional, and safe for all members of staff.
“In response to these allegations, we will be conducting a thorough internal investigation. We are determined to establish the facts and take any necessary action to address the situation. We will provide a detailed report of our findings as soon as the investigation is concluded.”
Ms Bradbury was announced as the team’s chief operating officer in October 2024 on the Salford Red Devils website under her maiden name Claire Butters.
Her statement continued: ‘Over recent months, the conditions which I and my colleagues have been required to operate made it impossible for me to deliver my role to the standards I set for myself and for the club.
‘Repeated delays in salary payments, an absence of essential operational tools, and a lack of agreed structure, strategy or investment have significantly impacted the ability of staff to perform their jobs effectively.’
The situation at the club has led to backlash from fans, with the Salford Red Devils supporters’ trust chairman claiming last week that the club has been ‘left to rot’ by its owners.
A fan group, named The 1873, has also been set up, aimed at trying to protect the club’s future.
The 1873 posted on Twitter today: ‘We stand with Claire Butters. Her brave account of appalling conditions & misogyny under Salford’s owners is damning. This is the final nail in their coffin – they have no place at our club.’
It has also made posts about a protest against the club’s owners on Sunday when the team is playing Wakefield Trinity at home.
Salford Red Devils play at the council-owned Salford Community Stadium, which is also home to Sale Sharks.
This week, Salford mayor Paul Dennett said the situation at the club was ‘extremely worrying.’
He added: “As fans of rugby league and the place rugby has in the fabric of our city, we share the concerns of fans. Recent reports about the increasing financial instability of the club are extremely worrying. They raise concerns about the welfare of staff and players.”
Salford Red Devils are currently sitting bottom of the Betfred Super League and lost 80-6 in a thrashing by Hull last weekend.
