Reading game abandoned after mass pitch invasion in 16th minute

Reading's clash with Port Vale was abandoned after a mass pitch invasion in the 16th minute

The Royals hosted Vale at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in League One on Saturday afternoon.

But the game did not even make it until the 20th minute as hundreds of home supporters stormed the pitch in protest after throwing tennis balls onto the field of play.

They did so in the 16th minute to mark the amount of points they have been docked under owner Dai Yongge, who purchased 75% of shares in the club back in 2017.

Once a Premier League club, Reading are heading towards the fourth tier of English football and recent years have been plagued by late wages, unpaid taxes and other financial irregularities.

Wow. Reading fans have invaded the pitch in protest against their owners! 😳

pic.twitter.com/rQjVwzPuQo

— Out of Context Football Manager (@nocontextfm1) January 13, 2024

The EFL recently recommended a 12-month ban from involvement in football for Yongge but it was not enforced by the disciplinary commission.

There have been several protests since the summer, with Reading fans regularly calling for Yongge's head.

However, this has been the biggest disruption by far as the supporters finally look to oust Yongge.

"We shouldn't be doing this," fan group Sell Before We Dai said in a message to 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."

The score was 0-0 at the time of the protest and it remains unclear whether the fixture will be restarted.

The club had taken to social media to not enter or throw items on the pitch, with a statement saying: "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. Thank you for your support today."

A further two posts called for fans to leave the pitch and prevent serious sanctions from being imposed but despite some exiting, a decision was made to abandon the match.