Reading fans issue new threat to owner and warn latest protest "just the start"

14 January 2024 , 16:25

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Reading fans on the pitch during the game against Port Vale (Image: PA)

Reading fans have warned their latest protest is “just the start” in their battle against owner Dai Yongge.

Home fans ran onto the pitch after 16 minutes of their League One game with Port Vale and refused to leave which forced the game to be abandoned. Reading pressure group Sell Before We Dai have called on the EFL to take action against the owner and warned he will “kill” their club.

Crisis club Reading have suffered a series of deductions totalling 16 points since November 2021, including four in August. They are fourth from bottom in the table, three points from safety.

A statement from Sell Before We Dai said: “The first fan-led match abandonment in our 152-year history should not be celebrated, but the spontaneous, unfiltered passion, as well as the will and determination of our fans, should be. This has proven beyond any doubt that Reading fans will not be ignored and will fight to the bitter end for our club.‌

“Our ownership is duplicitous and destructive. Players are being sold without the manager’s knowledge, staff are being made redundant, potential investors are being put off by those meant to be facilitating the sale. We either have no communication or we are lied to.

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“We understand that we will be punished by the EFL, but what we really need is help. Today was an outpouring of emotion from a fanbase not known for its hostility.

“We are scared for the future of our football club and the threat could not be more real. Our owner has already killed two clubs. We cannot be the third.

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Reading fans have been protesting about Dai Yongge's ownership (JASONPIX)

“We call on the EFL to continue with their aim to expel Dai Yongge as an owner and we call on our fans to stay organised and united. We want this to be our last abandoned match, but it is just the start of this elevated protest action.

“Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks and apologies to the travelling Port Vale fans who showed us unwavering solidarity throughout today’s protest. We won’t forget it.”

John Cross