Castleford hit by £40,000 penalty

Castleford have been fined £40,000 following crowd trouble following their home loss to Catalans Dragons in June.

The Rugby Football League operational rules tribunal, which handed out the punishment, suspended half of the fine until the end of the 2010 season.

Fans besieged the match officials' changing room after Castleford's 22-20 defeat, actions the tribunal described as "completely unacceptable".

Objects, including bottles, were also thrown onto the pitch.

The Super League club expressed its disappointment after being charged by the RFL last month.

It was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game, misconduct of spectators and breaching the RFL's respect policy.

Castleford have been instructed not to allow spectators to take bottled beer onto the terraces in future.