THE Madejski stadium held a round of applause in the 14th minute of today's game to mark the life of a young Royal fan.

Earlier today, Reading FC fans took to social media, urging everyone to join in with a 14th minute applause during this afternoon's game against Charlton Athletic, as a show of respect to Matthew Pike, a 14-year-old Royal fan who lost has battle against cancer on Friday morning.

News of his death swept round social media, with #minuteforMatthew trending on Twitter for his life to be celebrated during the match.

One fan wrote a post on Facebook which read: "One of the bravest, funniest and kindest boys I have ever met lost his battle with cancer. He was only 14-years-old and he supported Reading his whole life.

“Can every member on here please post #MinuteforMatthew and let’s all remember a fantastic boy.

“Use every social media you can to see if we can get this done.”

Irish striker, Noel Hunt, lended his support for the social media campaign with his own post.

The former Reading player said: "To Matthew. One of the bravest funniest little dudes I knew! I'm very sorry that you have left us.

"A very loud, proud, Royal that would do anything for his team. He has sadley gone but he will never be forgotten.

"Through his treatment I remember him saying one of the hardest things for him was not to be able to go to some of Reading's games. That statement alone tells anyone who didn't know him how strong, brave and passionate he was!"

After the 14th minute, football fans took to social media again to celebrate the respect which was given to Matthew from both teams.

Reading FC said: "Wonderful mark of respect being shown by fans in honour of Royals fan, Matthew, who sadley passed away yesterday."