35-year-old former EFL regular, Jay Spearing, was sent off in Sunday's 0-0 draw between Reading Under-21s and Liverpool Under-21s.

The PL2 fixture, held at the SCL Stadium, was filled with goal-scoring chances but it proved 'one of those days' as neither net bulged.

Both the Royals and the Reds sit in midtable, with Noel Hunt's men one of only two third-tier sides battling the giants in the top-flight.

Spearing, who won the Carling Cup with Liverpool in 2012, has more than 400 professional appearances to his name with the likes of Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool.

He returned to Merseyside in 2022 as an 'over-age player' and coach with the under-18s

Spearing handled on the goal line and was given a red card, with the Royals awarded a penalty. However, regular scorer Jahmari Clarke saw his spot-kick and the game ended goalless.

Sat in 10th, Norwich City provide the next test for Hunt's Young Royals.