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The game between Reading and Port Vale in Sky Bet League One was called off due to supporters of the home team storming the field to express their dissatisfaction with owner Dai Yongge.
The following are some important questions to consider in light of the events that occurred on Saturday afternoon, as reported by the PA news agency.
What happened?
After 16 minutes had passed, about 1,000 Reading fans made their way onto the field at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The game was interrupted and even after 68 minutes, there were still around 40 people who refused to leave the pitch. Stewards surrounded the fans who stood in the centre circle, until the decision was made to call off the match at 4:25pm. The supporters chanted against Yongge and displayed a banner in the centre circle that read “Football has a problem with ownership”.
What was the reason for it occurring?
Numerous supporters of Reading are urging Yongge to relinquish ownership of the club. There has been a growing sense of apprehension and unease among fans regarding the direction the club is headed under his leadership. A fan group called “Sell Before We Dai” recently issued a statement, titled “Desperate situation, desperate fans, desperate measures”, on Saturday night. In the statement, which contained 242 words, members expressed their fear for the club’s future and emphasized the urgency of the situation. They stated that the threat to the club’s well-being is a very real and pressing concern.
What led to the protest?
The Reading football team has been penalized a total of 16 points in the past three years due to financial violations. This resulted in a six-point deduction last season, leading to their relegation from the Championship. This season, they have been docked four points, which has put them in the relegation zone. In addition, they have faced transfer restrictions and their manager Ruben Selles has allegedly been kept out of the loop regarding transfer talks for some players. There have also been peaceful fan protests in the past.
Can you tell me about Dai Yongge?
In May 2017, Chinese businessman Yongge and his sister Dai Xiu Li became the majority shareholders of Reading. This occurred not long after the Royals secured a spot in the Championship play-off final, which they ultimately lost to Huddersfield on penalties. Prior to this, 55-year-old Yongge had been involved with Chinese club Beijing Renhe and Belgian side KSV Roeselare, both of which are no longer active. In 2016, he attempted to purchase Hull but was unsuccessful. The English Football League recently proposed a 12-month ban on Yongge participating in any football activities due to a financial misconduct charge, but this proposal was denied.
What happens next?
There is a warning from Sell Before We Dai about the events happening on Saturday, which they believe will lead to increased protest actions. The group intends to put pressure on the EFL in order to find a solution to the situation and may work together with fans of other teams who have also faced problems with ownership. There is a possibility of fans organizing spontaneous protests on match days as well. The EFL has stated that they will discuss the consequences of Saturday’s events with both clubs, and it is likely that Reading will face some form of punishment. The owner of Reading, Yongge, announced in October that the club is up for sale, and many fans are hoping for a quick takeover.
Source: independent.co.uk
