Reading fan group defends pitch invasion as 'unfiltered passion' after match called off and vows to end 'destructive' ownership of Dai Yongge – as they claim 'we will not be ignored' and insist 'this is just the beginning'
Fan group Sell Before We Dai have responded to the abandonment of their match against Port Vale on Saturday.
Supporters staged a massive pitch invasion in the opening minutes of the match to protest against club owner Dai Yongge, with the original plan to stage a pitch invasion after the match.
The pitch invasion took place in the 16th minute of the match, with the scoreline being goalless – with the time highlighting the 16 points deducted by the Royals under Dai's ownership.
Images from the stands showed hundreds of fans entering the playing field after throwing tennis balls earlier. Supporters remained on the pitch for over an hour, before it was confirmed that the match had been abandoned.
Sell Before We Dai has now discussed the events and once again detailed the leadership of the club under Yongge.
Fan group Sell Before We Dai have spoken out about the pitch invasion which saw their match against Port Vale abandoned. Credit: Luke Adams
Fans stormed the field in the 16th minute of the match in protest against owner Dai Yongge. Credit: Luke Adams
“Today is a dark day for Reading Football Club,” the statement began.
“The first fan-led stoppage of a match in our 152-year history should not be celebrated, but the spontaneous, unfiltered passion and will and determination of our fans should. Today proved beyond any doubt that Reading fans will not be ignored and will fight for our club to the bitter end.
“Our property is duplicitous and destructive. Players are sold without the manager's knowledge, staff are fired and potential investors are scared off by those tasked with facilitating the sale. We either have no communication or we are being lied to.
“We understand we will be punished by the EFL, but what we really need is help. Today there was an outpouring of emotion from a fanbase not known for hostility. We fear for the future of our football club and the threat could not be more real. Our owner has already killed two clubs. We can't be the third.'
The group described Saturday's events as 'a dark day for the club' Credit: Luke Adams
The group called on the EFL to continue to assist in removing Yongge from his post as the club's situation continues to deteriorate.
They also thanked Port Vale fans for supporting their supporters in the protest despite the match being abandoned.
'We call on the EFL to continue with their goal of ousting Dai Yongge as owner and we call on our fans to remain organized and united. We want this to be our last abandoned match, but it is just the beginning of this lofty protest.
'Finally, we would like to extend our sincere thanks and apologies to the traveling Port Vale fans who showed us unwavering solidarity during today's protest. We won't forget it.'
They asked the EFL to continue to assist in trying to remove Yongge from his position as owner. Credit: Luke Adams
They also expressed their thanks and apologies to Port Vale supporters. Credit: Luke Adams
Supporters have organized a number of protests against Yongge in recent months (pictured).
Sell Before We Dai is a fan-led movement of Reading FC supporters groups including STAR (Supporters Trust at Reading), Club 1871, Elm Park Royals and The Tilehurst End. T
They call on Yongge Dai to sell the club as quickly as possible, while at the same time securing the club's long-term future and attracting investors.
They are asking the EFL to help remove their owner after he staged a number of protests in recent months, including during their FA Cup match against Eastleigh on live TV.