In the sixteenth minute of Reading’s encounter against Port Vale on Saturday, the supporters decided to take matters into their own hands, or perhaps more accurately, their feet.
Initially numbering in the thousands, about 50 supporters persisted on the field for well over an hour before officials were compelled to abandon the match.
The aftermath has been nothing short of sensational, with the Royals’ predicament making headlines worldwide as the club hovers on the brink.
As reported by the Reading Chronicle, with few precedents to reference, the repercussions are boundless.
Addressing the media post-match, manager Ruben Selles stated, “Points deduction is a possibility, although unlikely. We might end up playing in an empty stadium for one or two games, or even the remainder of the season. Alternatively, a financial penalty is on the table. The range of potential outcomes is vast, but it’s not an immediate decision. It will be determined by a panel.”
The panel’s meeting date is yet to be confirmed, and the Royals are scheduled to face Wigan Athletic on Saturday, another club that faced financial challenges during the summer, leading to their administration.
In the sixteenth minute of Reading’s encounter against Port Vale on Saturday, the supporters decided to take matters into their own hands, or perhaps more accurately, their feet.
The threat of a points deduction will not deter Royals fans from protesting, having already been deducted 16 points for off-field issues in the last three seasons.
It would, however, seriously hinder any hopes Selles had of keeping his side in League One, with the club already three points adrift in the third-tier relegation zone.
A fine, on top of the multiple fines already awarded to both the club and Yongge this year, will just add to the financial issues lingering over the club.
Adding his thoughts on the choice of protest, Selles added: “I am sympathetic with the fact that we all want the best for the football club. Fans are feeling proud of what the team is doing but they are also getting frustrated. I am sympathetic, but I want to play football matches and win football matches.”
The club are still waiting to hear the verdict of an EFL hearing for paying HMRC late on too many occasions, with the original date last week rescheduled due to illness.
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