Reading fans took matters into their own hands on Saturday, or should we say feet, and stormed the pitch on the 16th minute during their match with Port Vale.
On in their thousands to start with, around 50 remained on there for well over an hour before the officials had no choice but to abandon the fixture.
The fall-out has been nothing short of sensational, with the Royals' plight being discussed around the world as the club teeters over the abyss.
With very few examples to look at, the consequences of this are limitless.
Speaking to the media after the match, boss Ruben Selles said: "Points deduction is there, but it is unlikely. It can be that we play with an empty stadium for one or two games, or even the rest of the season. Or a financial punishment. There is a wide variety of things, but it is not for today. It will be for a panel."
The panel date has not yet been decided, with the Royals next in action on Saturday at Wigan Athletic, another club who were in financial strife over the summer and were actually dropped into administration.
Blackpool took similar action in 2015 and were fined £50,000, with the threat of a match to be played behind closed doors if it were to have happened again.
The threat of a points deduction will not deter Royals fans from protesting, having already been deducted 16 points for off-field issues in the last three seasons.
It would, however, seriously hinder any hopes Selles had of keeping his side in League One, with the club already three points adrift in the third-tier relegation zone.
An EFL Spokesperson said: “Following an on-pitch protest at Reading v Port Vale, today’s fixture has been abandoned.
— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) January 13, 2024
"Every effort was made to restart the game but it became increasingly obvious that this would not be possible.
"We will now discuss the implications of this…
A fine, on top of the multiple fines already awarded to both the club and Yongge this year, will just add to the financial issues lingering over the club.
Adding his thoughts on the choice of protest, Selles added: "I am sympathetic with the fact that we all want the best for the football club. Fans are feeling proud of what the team is doing but they are also getting frustrated. I am sympathetic, but I want to play football matches and win football matches."
The club are still waiting to hear the verdict of an EFL hearing for paying HMRC late on too many occasions, with the original date last week rescheduled due to illness.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel