Reading’s League One match against Port Vale was abandoned after around 1,000 home fans protesting against the club’s owner invaded the pitch.
The start of the game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium had already been held up for three minutes when tennis balls were thrown onto the playing surface.
Referee Ross Joyce then took the players into the dressing rooms after 16 minutes as home fans took to the field of play, with some letting off blue flares.
Many Reading supporters want owner Dai Yongge to sell the club, which is currently fourth from the bottom in the third tier, following sanctions imposed by the EFL.
Dai is blamed by many supporters for the club’s problems, including wages not being paid and a winding-up order being served in October over unpaid taxes.
Dai took charge in 2017 but has come under criticism after the club was hit with a number of penalties for financial mismanagement, including a four-point deduction this season for a late payment of the monthly wage bill.
This season, they have received four points in deductions – a punishment that has seen them struggle in the League One relegation zone.
Sell Before we Dai, a fan-led protest group, described the situation today as a “dark day for Reading Football Club”.
“This first fan-led match abandonment in our long history should not be celebrated, but the spontaneous, unfiltered passion, as well as the will and determination of our fans, should be.
“Today has proven beyond any doubt that Reading fans will not be ignored and will fight to the bitter end for our club.”
Fans invade the pitch
There were a string of announcements, including warnings that the match would be abandoned, boos from some home fans who remained in the stands and chants from the travelling Port Vale supporters of: “We want our money back.”
But a hardcore group of around 40 Reading fans stood in the centre circle, refusing to return to the stands, and the match was eventually called off at 4.25pm.
A statement posted on Reading’s X account read: “We are fully aware of and understand our supporters’ frustrations, but we must reiterate to our supporters that entering or throwing items on to the pitch can put the fixture at risk of abandonment and can result in personal consequences including banning orders.
“Thank you for your support today.”
Reading manager Ruben Selles said he fears the club may be forced to play home games behind closed doors.
“We know that there could be repercussions,” he said. “A points deduction is unlikely, but it can happen.
“It could be that we play with an empty stadium for one or two games or even the rest of the season.
“There could be a financial punishment, of course.”
Meanwhile, the League One match between Bolton Wanderers and Cheltenham Town was postponed following a medical emergency in the crowd.
The game at the Toughsheet Community Stadium was halted after 29 minutes in the first half after a fan suffered a suspected cardiac arrest in the East Stand.
Players leave the pitch after a medical emergency in the crowd
Referee Sunny Singh Gill took the players off the pitch shortly after 3.30pm as medical staff went to help the supporter and the match was officially abandoned 30 minutes later.
Bolton said in a statement: “The man was treated by medical staff and paramedics at the scene, while the two teams were taken off the pitch.
“Following sustained attempts to revive the patient, he was taken to the first aid room at the stadium and the match was abandoned shortly after 4pm.
“The supporter was subsequently taken to hospital and the thoughts of everyone at Bolton Wanderers are with him and his family.
“An update on the supporter’s condition will follow.”
