Reading match abandoned after fans invade pitch
READING’S League One match with Port Vale was abandoned yesterday after almost 1,000 fans stormed on to the pitch to protest against club owner Dai Yongge.
The game had already been held up after tennis balls were thrown on to the Select Car Leasing Stadium playing surface.
But players and officials were then forced to run down the tunnel as hundreds of fans spilled on to the pitch to gather in front of the main stand, letting off blue flares.
Club officials and stewards tried to clear the protesters, who were chanting abuse against unpopular Chinese owner Yongge.
But after an almost an hour and with several fans sitting in the centre circle, referee Ross Joyce called the game off.
Before the abandonment, a club statement on social media read: ‘We are fully aware of and understand our supporters’ frustrations, but we must reiterate 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.’
Reading fans have staged regular protests against Yongge, even marching to the Houses of Parliament, and had planned another at the end of the game.
But that did not stop angry supporters from racing on to the pitch and Port Vale fans joined in by chanting: ‘Get out of their club.’
The EFL said they had made ‘every effort’ to get the game restarted and they will now discuss the implications with both clubs.
Reading, who have been deducted 16 points in under two years, fear they face another hefty hit.
They lie 21st in League One, three points from safety, having been docked four points for the late payment of a wage bill.
Yongge took charge of the club in 2017 but has come under fire after the club was hit with a winding-up order in October over unpaid taxes, a transfer embargo plus fines and points deductions.
Another League One match was abandoned yesterday: Bolton’s home game against Cheltenham was called off after a supporter suffered a cardiac arrest.