Reading vs Port Vale abandoned as home fans refuse to leave pitch

Reading's League One match with Port Vale was halted after 16 minutes and eventually 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 onto 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 and Joyce later called off the game.

Before the abandonment, a statement posted on Reading's X, formerly Twitter, account, read: "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."

As Reading fans continued to stay 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 return to the stands.

A further announcement over the PA system said that, unless the pitch was cleared, the match would be abandoned and added that would go "along with the consequences" of possible points deductions.