Reading football club is spiralling into crisis, with players resorting to microwave meals as drastic cost-cutting measures are implemented.

The club is under the watch of dubious owner Dai Yongge, who remained inert in the lives of two clubs which have now sunk under his management.

Meanwhile, the club's fans, desperate to save the 152-year-old institution, stormed the pitch during their match against Port Vale last Saturday, leading to the game's abandonment.

During a hearing in Westminster, former government minister and passionate Reading supporter, Damian Green, expressed his concerns to Rick Parry, chairman of the English Football League (EFL).

Mr Green said to The Times newspaper: "We often joke we’re the most middle-class club in Britain.

"But the only hooligan associated with Reading Football Club is Dai Yongge, the owner.

"You have a lot of frustrated fans watching their club die before their eyes.

"My basic question is: what is the EFL doing to stop this club dying?"

Despite widespread concerns, Dai is yet to take action.

His time in charge began in 2017 and accrued a significant wage bill, leading to Reading's relegation to the third tier and a point deduction of 16 for breaching EFL spending rules.

This has left Reading on the brink of relegation to the fourth tier for the first time in over 40 years. Additionally, the club is struggling financially.

Staff have been made redundant, the club's academy has been hit hardest and even the first-team coaching staff have been restructured.

Inside Reading's £50 million Bearwood training ground, morale is at an all-time low with players left with only microwave meals for nourishment.

Despite this, the owner has reportedly refused to engage in talks with multiple potential buyers.

However, there is a glimmer of hope as Reading's director of football operations, Mark Bowen, hinted that the owner's sale expectations may have lowered.

Amongst Reading fans, there is a growing campaign called "Sell Before We Dai", fronted by board member of Supporters' Trust at Reading, Caroline Parker.

Fed-up supporters are calling for regulatory changes, echoing Mr Parker's sentiment: "Much like when a club is placed in administration, the sale of the club should be taken out of the owner’s hands.

"We know we have interested, credible parties who want to buy the club."

Despite the harsh realities faced by Reading FC, there has been an outpouring of support from other clubs and their fans.

Supporters of Port Vale, whose match against Reading was abandoned due to the pitch invasion, have asked clubs across the country to demonstrate their solidarity with Reading through a round of applause in the 16th minute of their games.

This crisis serves as a sincere reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked ownership in British football.

Clubs and their fans are left vulnerable and helpless at the hands of reckless owners whose disastrous leadership can result in a beloved institution's downfall.

This story was first reported by The Times.