Thousands back fans' club ownership petition

Fans collected signatures outside Reading's SCL Stadium on Saturday

A supporters' group petition which asks for MPs to scrutinise Reading FC's ownership over recent years has been backed by more than 8,400 people.

The Sell Before We Dai group set up the petition that went live on Friday.

Supported by Earley and Woodley MP Yuan Yang and hosted on her website, the petition is critical of Dai Yongge and his sister Dai Xiu Li, who have owned the club since 2017.

Reading are still up for sale after years of turmoil, which includes a relegation to League One from the Championship in 2023 after a six-point deduction.

The petition calls on the Culture, Media and Sport and Business and Trade select committee to launch an investigation into the club.

Becky Trotman, from the supporters' group, told BBC Radio Berkshire Yang will be able to request action once 10,000 signatures have been collected.

"This is not just about Reading, though we want the inquiry to focus on Reading and what's gone on under Dai Yongge and what's happened under previous owners since 2012," she added.

"We're hoping that what comes out after that inquiry will also help inform the people who will put the new football regulator together and inform how the Governance Bill will work, which is being done to hopefully ensure that other clubs don't suffer the same terrible fate that Reading have."

Fans collected signatures outside Saturday's home draw against League One leaders Birmingham, which finished 0-0.

A potential takeover by former Wycombe Wanderers owner Rob Couhig fell through in September.

Reading FC Women's team currently play in the fifth tier after they withdrew from the Championship last summer.

The club said without a "cash injection", it could not meet the criteria to compete in the second tier.