Reading and Port Vale saw their match abandoned when Royals fans took to the pitch to show their displeasure over owner Dai Yongge and now face punishment from the EFL and the FA
Reading will have to replay their match with Port Vale in full after the original contest was abandoned when home fans invaded the pitch to protest the ownership of the club, while the Royals have also been hit with a suspended three-point deduction.
Supporters took to the field after just 16 minutes at the Madejski Stadium on January 13. The points deduction will last across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons and be triggered if the club’s supporters cause disruption such that a match is postponed or abandoned.
The EFL said that they “recognise the ongoing challenges for the Club and its supporter base, and notes the views expressed at the supporter meeting held with the EFL last week in respect of imposing further immediate points deductions on the Club.” If the suspended point deduction is triggered, it will be activated immediately.
Reading has also been entrusted with reaching an arrangement with Port Vale on compensation for expenses incurred as a result of the abandoned clash. However, Reading has confirmed that an FA inquiry is underway, which might result in a large financial punishment.
In addition to Reading’s punishment, the EFL sanctioned club owner Dai Yongge for failing to deposit 125% of the club’s forecast monthly wage bill in a designated bank account. Yongee missed the January deadline and breached decisions in August and December after an order by the independent Disciplinary Commission. He was also charged with bringing
The Berkshire side will see the match replayed on Tuesday February 20 at 8pm. They will provide three options for those who had tickets for the original game. Supporters will be able to keep their tickets and they will remain valid for the rescheduled fixture.
Otherwise, those who were in attendance will be able to swap their ticket for another home match this season. If neither of those accommodations suit, a full refund will be provided. The latter two choices must be indicated by 5pm Monday 19th February.
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