The match between Reading and their guest Port Vale in the English League One was stopped today, Saturday, after Reading fans invaded the pitch in protest against the club's owner. A large number of Reading supporters entered the field in the 16th minute, waving a flag calling for the departure of Dai Yong, who has owned the club since 2017.
Yong has faced criticism following sanctions imposed on the club for financial mismanagement, including a four-point deduction this season for delays in monthly salary payments. Port Vale indicated that play was also halted in the first minute after tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch.
Reading acknowledged the frustration of their fans and emphasized that entering the pitch or throwing objects onto it could risk the match being abandoned and could lead to personal consequences, including stadium bans. They thanked supporters for their presence that day.
Reading added that both teams and their coaching staff wished to complete the match, and that this was the last opportunity to resume play, with serious penalties looming for the club if the pitch was not cleared.
At the time of the stoppage, the match was scoreless.
