EFL League One game abandoned after pitch invasion protest

A pitch invasion by supporters throwing tennis balls forced the abandonment of Reading's English League One (third tier) home match against Port Vale on Saturday.

Play was halted in the first minute after tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch and after 16 minutes of play at Reading fans ran onto the playing surface, forcing both sets of players off the pitch .

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With fans refusing to leave the field, the decision was made to cancel the match.

The protest was aimed at Reading owner Dai Yongge, who fans blame for Reading's problems, including unpaid wages and a liquidation order issued in October over unpaid taxes.

Yongge took charge in 2017 but came under fire after the club was hit with a number of sanctions for financial mismanagement, including a four-point deduction this season for late payment of monthly payroll.

“We are fully aware and understand the frustrations of our supporters,” Reading posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“But we must reiterate…that entering or throwing objects onto the field can put the match at risk of abandonment and result in personal consequences, including banning orders. Thank you for your support today.”

The match was 0-0 at the time of the suspension.

Former Premier League side Reading, relegated after 10 years to the second division championship in 2023, have been stripped of 16 points in less than two years.

They are 21st in the standings with 23 points in 25 matches.

It was the second League One game to be abandoned on Saturday after Bolton Wanderers' home game against Cheltenham Town was canceled due to a medical emergency at the stadium.