Reading Football Club has successfully negotiated an agreement with the Football League (EFL) to postpone the enforcement of a three-point penalty in response to the pitch invasion incident during their League One match against Port Vale. The match was called off earlier this month when around 1,000 Royals supporters entered the pitch to protest the actions of the club’s owner, Dai Yongge.
The EFL, citing a previous sanction imposed on Blackpool in 2015 under similar circumstances, has agreed to the suspended points penalty. Moreover, the EFL has confirmed that the entire match will be replayed on Tuesday 20th February.
In a formal statement, the EFL has clarified that the suspended penalty will be immediately activated if any fixture played in any EFL competition is postponed or abandoned due to disruptions caused by the club’s supporters. The EFL has also taken into consideration the challenges experienced by the club and its fan base, following a supporter meeting held with the EFL last week. The EFL is determined to enforce its regulations on behalf of all member clubs while providing guidance on the potential consequences of any future failure to fulfill a fixture due to supporter protests.
On Tuesday evening, Reading is set to welcome Derby County in League One. There will be further updates from Tuesday’s League One and League Two games.
The agreement reached between Reading and the EFL demonstrates a balanced approach to holding clubs accountable for fan behavior while also recognizing the complexities and challenges faced by both the club and its supporters. It also establishes a framework for handling future incidents of this nature with fairness and clarity.
As football enthusiasts eagerly await Tuesday’s crucial matches, the agreement between Reading and the EFL serves as a reminder of the significance of upholding the integrity of the sport whilst considering the circumstances surrounding individual clubs and their supporters.