Salford Red Devils chief executive Ryan Brierley has confirmed that the club released a player for refusing to shake the hand of the team’s bus driver. The incident, which occurred ahead of a Championship fixture this season, underscores the club’s emphasis on fostering a respectful and inclusive culture throughout the organization.

Brierley, a former Salford full-back and Scotland international, detailed the decision during an appearance on the Bring On The Salford podcast. He did not identify the player but was clear about the club’s stance on personal conduct. “We released a player because he didn’t shake the bus driver’s hand. Simple as that,” Brierley said. Reflecting on the decision, he acknowledged the possible impact on the squad but emphasized that integrity and character remain priorities over pure talent.

The 34-year-old CEO, appointed following Salford’s recent revival in the Championship, said the team currently holds 13th place in the table with seven wins from 21 matches. Despite the challenges, Brierley indicated that the club’s recruitment philosophy centers on selecting players who align with its cultural values rather than purely focusing on skill level. “We’ve turned down way better players than what we’ve got now in favour of good people—fact,” he said. “It’s not something I’m willing to compromise on.”

Brierley first outlined the importance of what he calls the “handshake rule” earlier in the season. The tradition was inspired by his experience at Oldham, where a bus company owner who was a Salford fan regularly transported teams to away matches. Brierley made a point of shaking the driver’s hand as a gesture of respect, viewing the driver as a member of the team for the day. “It’s about culture,” he said, stressing that respect towards all staff, regardless of role, is fundamental to building a positive environment within the club.

The firm approach to upholding standards highlights Salford’s commitment to cultivating professionalism and mutual respect, values Brierley insists are key to sustaining long-term success both on and off the field.