Spectator invasions raise Hull derby fears

The Super League game, televised live by Sky TV, had already been stopped in the sixth minute after a bare-chested man entered the field and ran in between Leeds players.

He edged along the goal-line with his nose on the whitewash, apeing the infamous goal celebration of Liverpool footballer Robbie Fowler, before giving himself up to slow-acting stewards. More worryingly, another spectator performed a bear-hug on Leeds winger Donald while his side – narrowly leading 18-14 – were desperately defending their own line in the final five minutes.

Referee Ian Smith was not made aware, despite the incident happening just in front of a touch judge, and play continued with the spectator apparently returning to the stand undetected.

Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: "I couldn't believe it.

"I've no complaints against Hull – it's a great club – but you employ a security firm and that security firm is going to have to answer some serious questions to the Hull board."

The East Yorkshire club may themselves have to answer to the RFL. The governing body are still debating what action to take following crowd trouble when the sides met at KC Stadium in April when Leeds fans were allegedly sprayed with bottles of urine during their Challenge Cup win.

An RFL spokesman said: "The RFL are awaiting reports from the match commissioner, the referee and the ground safety officer at the KC Stadium.

"Once the RFL's compliance manager has received those reports, a decision on what course of action will be taken."

Match commissioner Ian McGregor confirmed after the fixture he will be including the matters in his report, and it seems certain the RFL will launch a formal investigation.

Hull – who could be heavily fined – have started their own inquiry in tandem with the KC Stadium Management Company.

Airlie Birds chief executive James Rule said: "Anyone who is deemed to have acted inappropriately will be dealt with in line with our (zero tolerance) stadium policy."

The ease with which spectators were able to access the pitch prompts major question marks about security with Hull set to play city rivals Hull KR in a sudden-death play-off game on Saturday.