Plotting For A Portsmouth Visit, Reading Followers Plan The Largest Ownership Protest In 40 Years—And The Fratton Faithful Are Called To
The largest ownership protest in Reading in forty years will take place at the same time as Pompey’s visit to the Madejski Stadium.
It is also being asked of the Fratton supporters to get involved, joining forces with other supporters in the fight against their owners.
Reading has lost 16 points in three seasons under Dai Yongge, who is under pressure. The Royals have also been hit with a transfer embargo that will last until January 2025, and it is thought that they owe their owner over £100 million.
After recent protests against Burton and Bolton that involved tennis balls being thrown onto the field during games, the Chinese tycoon has decided to avoid the Madejski Stadium.
Fans fearing for the future of their club are now ramping up the demonstrations for Saturday’s visit of Pompey, while also pushing for a change in footballing governance.
Protest group ‘Sell Before We Dai’ are organising a pre-match march from Reading town centre to the stadium, with more than 1,000 expected to attend.
And Pompey fans are also encouraged to show solidarity and take part in the two-mile walk.
Alex Everson, from ‘Sell Before We Dai’, told The News: ‘We can’t force him to sell, that’s not how business works, but if a sale doesn’t happen in the next few months then it’s very likely going to be administration.
‘As supporters, all we can do is make our feelings known and apply pressure, almost embarrassing him to sell.
‘This is about saving Reading. We are in dire straits and are slipping into the abyss without any fight or resistance unless things change.
‘The club is spending £1.5m in ground rent every year, it has zero money, so operating in League Two is wholly unaffordable. They cannot afford anything at the club, bar the necessities.
‘There has been no communication, everything is based on conjecture and rumours, yet the club is haemorrhaging cash. We owed the owner £90m according to the last accounts. That has now increased.
‘There is no way out unless the owner sells. He doesn’t care, he doesn’t want to be there anymore – and diehard Reading fans are slowly giving up.
‘Saturday will be the biggest protest since 1983, when the fans rose up against Robert Maxwell’s plans to merge Reading with Oxford United to make the Thames Valley Royals.
“We’re hoping for about 1,000 supporters to join us, and it would be amazing if Pompey fans came too, proving that football fans can come together.”
It is recommended that everyone interested in participating in the “Sell Before We Dai” march gather on Saturday at Reading’s town center at the Blue Collar Corner bar at 12 p.m. for a 12.30 p.m. start.
They are expected to arrive at Madejski Stadium around 1:45 pm, when remarks will be held in the supporter zone area of the club.
As of right now, no demonstrations are scheduled for the Pompey game. Pompey leads League One by four points at the moment.
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