Reading game abandoned as fans invade pitch after tennis ball protest

13 January 2024 , 15:33

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Reading v Port Vale was abandoned after fans entered the field of play

Reading's League One match against Port Vale was abandoned following a pitch invasion as fans voiced their concerns.

Fans had earlier thrown tennis balls onto the pitch in protest; the game was level when the interruption took place, with play stopped after the pitch invasion. "We shouldn't be doing this," fan group Sell Before We Dai said in a message to owner Dai Yongge. "We should be enjoying the game with friends and family. This is just the start Dai. We are coming for you. So do yourself a favour and sell."

Those following the game posted on social media that the EFL cut off the feed to footage from the game shortly after the pitch invasion. After requests to vacate the pitch were not heeded, the game was eventually abandoned without ever being restarted.

"We are fully aware of and understand our supporters’ frustrations, but we must reiterate to our supporters that entering or throwing items onto the pitch can put the fixture at risk of abandonment and can result in personal consequences including banning orders," a club statement on social media read. "Thank you for your support today."

According to those in attendance, fans were warned over the PA system that the game would be abandoned if the pitch was not cleared. Some appeared to have returned to the stands, but others remained on the field a number of minutes after play was paused.

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Reading later shared a second and third message on social media. Both warned that the club could face "serious sanctions" if fans did not leave the field of play, and there was confirmation of the abandonment more than an hour after the initial delay.

Supporters of the Royals, and of other clubs, shared their thoughts in response to the plea. "Might wanna get rid of the guy who created the conditions for it," wrote one, while another said "The club won't exist unless it's sold".

What was your reaction to the pitch invasion? Have your say in the comments section

Back in December, there were prominent protests from Reading supporters during the team's FA Cup second round match against Eastleigh. That protest also involved tennis balls thrown onto the pitch, with the action taking place 16 minutes in to reflect the 16 points the club have been docked under Yongge's ownership.

Six of those points were deducted last season as Reading fought to keep their place in the Championship. The penalty proved decisive, with the team finishing five points from safety.

Reading have also been deducted four points this season as they aim to avoid a second successive relegation. Ahead of the game, Ruben Selles' team sat just inside the drop zone, three points adrift of safety.

Tom Victor