Reading manager Ruben Selles says that he shares the supporter’s disappointment following protests at their League One clash with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
It’s been a turbulent few years for the Berkshire side and they were handed their second points deduction of the season last week when they were docked three points after they failed to comply with an order to deposit funds. Worryingly, Reading fans are used to such news, having been deducted a staggering 16 points over the course of the past two years.
Tensions are beginning to run high at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and fans made their thoughts clear towards owner Dai Yongge at the weekend when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch during the first half of the game.
Fans decided to make their voices heard in the 16th minute of the tie to coincide with the number of docked points they have received. Upon resumption, Bolton almost immediately took the lead through Dion Charles, although the Royals eventually emerged victorious thanks to late goals from Charlie Savage and Caylan Vickers.
Speaking to the BBC regarding the protests, Selles claimed he shared the supporter’s frustrations, saying;
“I think they made their point. I understand their disappointment and I myself have the same disappointment.
“I don’t like it when things that happen off the pitch get taken out on the pitch.
“My task was to keep my team in the game. Unfortunately we conceded straight after the protest.
“Our fans can express themselves however they want with respect and I think they did. We couldn’t clear the balls ourselves because the referee might think we are going to throw them back into the stand and we would get a yellow card.”
Selles continues to do an excellent job under the circumstances and will be aiming to build on Saturday’s win this weekend when they travel to Bloomfield Road to take on Blackpool.
Writer’s View
The atmosphere at Reading is becoming increasingly tense and it is surely only a matter of time before Dai Yongge agrees to sell the club. Reports emerged earlier today that British businessman William Storey is interested in acquiring the club.
The supporters must continue their peaceful protests, whilst Ruben Selles’ aim will be to keep Reading competitive whilst all this plays out. Royals’ fans deserve a bit of success and ridding the club of their owner would feel as good as any promotion they have experienced in the past.
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