LEANDRO Bacuna lifted the lid on the half-time bust up between Reading FC and Swansea City.

Players from both sides were involved in a fracas as they headed down the Madejski Stadium tunnel after a goalless first half.

And Bacuna had his own view of what sparked off the trouble that ended with a booking for Swansea’s Leroy Fer.

“You could see Swansea were frustrated,” suggested Bacuna, after Reading's 2-0 defeat. “At the end of the first half they tried to start a bit of conflict.

“We were dominating the game and they didn’t know what to do.

“I thought we had a lot of possession and dominated the game. We created lots of chances but couldn’t finish them off.

“Overall we did great, it was just unfortunate we couldn’t win.”

Reading Chronicle:

Reading and Swansea players clash during half-time at the Madejski Stadium. Pictures: Chris Forsey. Code 170943.

Adrian Popa, Roy Beerens and John Swift all threatened during a strong start by Reading on Tuesday night.

But it was Swansea who broke the deadlock in the Carabao Cup third-round tie when former Royals trainee Alfie Mawson converted a Renato Sanches former early in the second half.

However, controversy surrounded Swansea’s second goal as the ball struck referee Andy Davies in the build-up before Jordan Ayew scored.

And Bacuna believes the official could have handled the situation better.

“Maybe the referee should look at that and make a decision to make a foul or something,” argued Bacuna. “Either way it’s bad luck.

“We don’t blame Swansea. If it had been the other way around we would have pushed forward. We were just unlucky, but there were a lot of positives to take into the next game.”

Reading Chronicle:

Swansea players mob Alfie Mawson (No.6) after his opening goal.

Reading have been criticised for failing to sign a second striker in the transfer window and they were guilty of wasting numerous chances against the Swans.

But Bacuna stressed: “We do have goalscorers in our squad, we’ve just been unlucky in a few games.

“As soon as the goals start going in we’ll gain a lot of confidence and players will be in the right place and the right time.

“The league is our priority but you don’t want to throw these cup games away. It’s good for players to get minutes on the pitch and to impress the manager.

“I hope to start against Hull in the league this Saturday but there’s a lot of competition in the team.”

Meanwhile, Bacuna kept Swansea’s on-loan Bayern Munich star Sanches quiet on Tuesday night, and he quipped: “He’s still in my pocket. I’m only joking but I think he’s a good player who needs to get used to the English leagues. He’ll do well for Swansea.”

Reading Chronicle:

Swansea's Renato Sanches, left, closes down George Evans.

Reading host Hull City at Madejski Stadium this Saturday (3pm ko).

  • Follow the game live with the Reading Chronicle.