Jeff Stelling blasts Soccer Saturday coverage of 'biggest story of the day'

14 January 2024 , 07:49

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There was Pitch invasion during Reading's home game with Port Vale

Jeff Stelling hit out at Sky Sports' coverage of the pitch invasion at Reading, which saw their League One clash abandoned.

Fans made their anger known during the Royals' game with Port Vale, which had to be stopped after a mass pitch invasion took place inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Soccer Saturday were providing updates but fans were unimpressed by Simon Thomas ' commentary as he said there were "tennis balls on the pitch".

Thomas took over from the legendary Stelling in the summer and the old host was somewhat stunned that the show had no reporter at the Berkshire club, whose fans have continued to make waves with their protests against the owners.

Stelling said on Twitter : "When a club which was in PL not long ago is in the position they are in this the biggest story of the day imo (in my opinion). Why [is there] no reporter there? Everyone knew there was going to be a protest!"

Someone called Stelling out for being a former employee "who left but still wants a say in how things are done". The legendary host though replied: "I am not Andy. I am a member of the public with a right to express an opinion."

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Stelling left Sky after more than 25 years at the end of last season and has since joined talkSPORT as part of the radio station's morning coverage from December. He led unrivalled coverage of games throughout the Football League throughout his time on Soccer Saturday.

Reading's owner Dai Yongge has been the subject of heavy criticism during his time charge of the club with the former top-flight club facing the threat of another relegation, this time to the third tier. His handling of the club has seen them deducted 16 points during his tenure.

Jeff Stelling's time in the Soccer Saturday studio ended last season (Sky Sports)

Royals boss Ruben Selles attempted to remain pragmatic and said his focus is to get games played and hopefully entertain supporters. He said: "From my perspective, the players' side, and our collective priority, is to play football, represent the club in the best possible manner, and, of course, win games to send the fans home happy.

"Currently, we haven't received direct communications from the EFL to determine the outcome, but we hope to proceed with the game as planned. Ideally, a full house supporting the team would be the best scenario for us, enabling us to secure maximum points and maintain our positive league form."

He also added: "Despite the frustrations from today's abandoned game, we will return to training this week with a sole focus on what we can control. Our aim is to execute our roles to the best of our abilities and be fully prepared for the next game."

Samuel Meade