Following the incident involving some spectators at the end of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup semi-final at Leigh Sports Village between Castleford Tigers and Widnes Vikings, the RFL will await reports from the stadium, the police and the two clubs before deciding what action to take.

The behaviour of the vast majority of fans was exemplary and the incident was not what is expected from Rugby League supporters. This should not detract from two very successful semi-finals.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said: “The sport has every right to be disappointed with the behaviour of a minority of Widnes fans. We will work with the clubs to identify any supporters who encroached onto the pitch. There is no place for such behaviour in Rugby League.

“True Rugby League supporters are renowned for their good nature at all occasions such as this and we will not hesitate to use whatever measures are available to us to protect these precious values.”

There were ugly scenes at the end of Vikings' 28-6 defeat with fans invading the pitch after the final whistle, goading the Castleford fans and reports that the Tigers mascot had been attacked.

A number of smoke bombs were also discharged during the course of the game.