READING FC skipper Paul McShane has apologised to fans for his behaviour following Saturday’s FA Cup stalemate at Stevenage.

McShane appeared to snub the travelling supporters at Lamex Stadium after Royals were held by League Two Boro.

Jaap Stam’s side struggled to make an impression in the third-round clash and McShane claims he and his team-mates were mocked and jeered throughout the contest.

The defender, who turned 32 on Saturday, then refused to clap the 1,393 Reading fans at the final whistle until he was persuaded otherwise by vice-captain Chris Gunter, who came on as a late substitute.

McShane later issued a heartfelt apology on social media, tweeting: “Firstly I want to apologise for showing reluctance to clap some of the travelling fans after the match today.

“For those of you that come to every game you will know I always clap you all after every match and how much I appreciate your support and today should have been no different.

“Let me explain, I know we are not getting the results we had last season, but I wear my heart on my sleeve and there is no-one more disappointed than me.

“I give everything I have in every game so to have the fans boo and mock us during a match is very disheartening and hard to take – and not the first time it has happened this season.”


The Republic of Ireland international added: “My reluctance to clap was a passionate error of judgement in the heat of the moment – please do not mistake it for arrogance or lack of respect.

“I know how brilliant our true fans are and for those of you that support the club and the players even when results are not going the way we both want, thank you.

“We’re going through a tricky patch and we all need to stick together and work hard to get ourselves out of it. It is at times like this we need our supporters, so please stick with us.”

Gunter also reacted to the incident on social media and blasted fans for 'sarcastic and disrespectful chanting' from the first whistle on Saturday.

The Wales full-back tweeted: "Not one for these posts but feel it is important after today, having sat watching the game.

"I was hugely disappointed with some of the chants coming from the away end from the very start of the game.

"I know full well this season hasn't been good enough, and we need to improve for the remainder of it.

"We have not given you fans a lot to get excited about, but sarcastic and disrespectful chanting will never, ever help us.

"We all want the same thing. I know it's a minority and the vast support is always brilliant, but I still wanted to say it."


Gunter, 28, continued: "Not one player today said not to go over to the fans, it may have looked unusual because of the atmosphere throughout the game, but in tough times we need you.

"We're always trying to deliver for ourselves, the club and you fans."  

The drab 0-0 draw means Reading have not won in seven matches in all competitions after a major slump in form over the festive period.

Stam’s men return to Championship action this Saturday when they travel to Nigel Adkins’ Hull City (3pm).

The FA Cup replay against Stevenage will then take place at Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, January 16.

The teams will be ball number 20 in tonight’s fourth round draw which is live on BBC 2 at 7pm.