Catalans Dragons threatened with unprecedented punishment following crowd trouble against Leeds Rhinos

James Child and the match officials were pelted with missiles following Leeds' victory in Perpignan, while Sky Sports presenters Jenna Brooks and Terry O’Connor and the visiting players also appeared to be the target of abuse at the end of a bad-tempered game.

Child issued three yellow cards and sent off Gil Dudson for a headbutt as Catalans' frustrations boiled over.

As well as the unprecedented threat of a stadium ban which will hang over the club throughout 2023, the Dragons have been fined £25,000, half of which has been suspended until the end of the season.

"This is an agreed decision between the RFL and the club – with Catalans also pledging to launch a proactive education campaign underlining the importance of improving spectator behaviour, specifically relating to match officials," read a statement from the governing body.

"In the agreed decision, the club acknowledge that supporters had thrown items onto the field of play during the fixture against Leeds, with matters escalating in the 78th minute when the touch-judges felt it necessary to take evasive action as they stood behind the posts.

"Further objects were thrown at the match officials as they left the field, and there was a further aggressive incident requiring a response from security staff as the officials left the stadium."

The sanctions follow a number of previous incidents of either spectator misbehaviour or unacceptable criticism of match officials for which the club have been punished in recent seasons.

Robert Hicks, the RFL’s Director of Operations and Legal, added: “This is a strong punishment and it is significant and welcome that this is a decision that has been agreed with the Catalans club.

“The presence of their club and the passion of their supporters has enhanced the Super League competition significantly for more than a decade, but the scenes during and after the play-off fixture in September were the latest in a number of unacceptable incidents.

“The RFL welcomes the assurance from the Catalans club that they will work proactively with their supporters to ensure a more welcoming environment for all, including match officials, from 2023.”

It is not the first time Catalans have been embroiled in post-match controversy.

Last July, owner Bernard Guasch was given a four-match ban and fined £12,500 – £5,000 of which was suspended – for breaching the RFL’s Operational Rules following his club’s home game against Huddersfield on June 3.

Guasch was found guilty of making physical contact with referee Chris Kendall and using offensive language and questioning his integrity.

In a statement issued by the RFL at the time, Guasch accepted his responsibility and put in place plans to avoid a repeat of such incidents.

In the aftermath of the latest sanction, Guasch said: “Despite our disappointment and frustration, we cannot accept behaviours that are contrary to the values of respect and sharing that are embodied by our club, and our sport.

“In recent weeks, the club has worked closely with the RFL. The sanctions issued are serious and could put the club in a complicated situation if new incidents were to happen. We have effectively a suspended punishment throughout the 2023 season, with further financial penalties and two matches behind closed doors if there are any further problems.

“The Gilbert Brutus stadium must be a place of celebration and conviviality. The club has always been able to rely on its loyal supporters, I know how precious your support is and I now appeal to everyone to assume this responsibility for their conduct. We are at the dawn of a new Super League season and I look forward to seeing you all at the stadium again.”