Reading have been hit with yet more sanctions in the form of another transfer embargo after failing to pay a HMRC bill, according to The Telegraph.
News of the latest breach leaked yesterday, when RDG.Today reported that owner Dai Yongge had once again failed to meet his obligations, leading to more worries that the League One outfit would face further penalties.
The Royals have already seen transfer embargoes come and go this year, whilst also having four points deducted in the space of just a couple of months. Journalist Darren Witcoop later claimed that first team players and staff had been informed that they would not receive their full wages this month, with the under-21 team set to go penniless altogether.
It’s the latest in a long line of failings from the Chinese businessman, and Reading supporters continue to protest against the owner. Earlier this month, fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch in the 16th minute of their win over Bolton Wanderers and the situation is likely to become more toxic in the coming weeks.
According to The Telegraph, a third points deduction of the season is on the cards should the club fail to pay their players and staff this Friday, which could further plunge Reading’s season into chaos. A fourth winding up order is also set to be imposed.
The Berkshire-based club have three wins from their opening eight fixtures in their first season in League One, although sit on just five points. They currently sit in 22nd, with just Fleetwood Town and Cheltenham Town below them in the standings.
Whilst all eyes are on the off-the-pitch antics, manager Ruben Selles must focus on the job in hand and prepare his team for a home fixture against Burton Albion this Saturday, where further protests are scheduled.
Writer’s View
It’s the news that Reading fans were expecting following yesterday’s news, although sanctions have become expected at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in recent times. They are set to keep the pressure on this Saturday and must stand as one in order to achieve their common goal.
Dai Yongge is yet another example as to why the EFL need to step in in instances such as these and they must take action. Too many historic clubs have already been victims of unfit owners, with Macclesfield and Bury prime examples of this. If things continue down this route, Reading will be next.
