Reading's game abandoned after pitch invasion
Play was halted during the first half at the Select Car Leasing Stadium by fans protesting against the club's owner
Last updated 14th Jan 2024
Reading's League One match with Port Vale has been abandoned after around 1,000 home fans invaded the pitch.
They were protesting against the club ownership of Dai Yongge and the game had already been held up earlier for three minutes when tennis balls were thrown on to the playing surface at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Referee Ross Joyce took the players into the dressing rooms, while the supporters milled around the pitch, some letting off blue flares.
After approaching the Vale fans, some of whom applauded them, most of the home fans started to leave the pitch.
But many of them then returned and staged a sit-in in the centre circle.
As the supporters remained on the pitch, stewards guarded both goalmouths.
The Port Vale fans began to grow tired of the protests, chanting they had "made their point" and should leave the pitch.
Port Vale fans also began to chant: "We want our money back".
Both clubs confirmed that the game had been abandoned on their social media channels.
A second match in League One was also abandoned for different reasons.
Bolton and Cheltenham's game will be replayed after it had to be stopped because of a medical emergency in the stands.