Reading FC fans stage protest against owner Dai Yongge

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Reading FC fans carry a coffin to protest against the club's ownerImage source, Sell Before We Dai
Image caption,

Fans marched from the town centre to the club's stadium

Hundreds of Reading FC fans have staged a protest against the club's owner, Dai Yongge.

Supporters marched from Reading town centre to the Select Car Leasing Stadium ahead of the club's match against Portsmouth on Saturday.

They want the Chinese tycoon to sell the club after late salary payments led to the team being docked points.

Protesters included former Reading striker Dave Kitson and MPs Matt Rodda and James Sunderland.

Mr Dai is facing a football misconduct charge for failing to deposit sufficient funds for the club's wages.

Image source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Dai Yongge built a fortune turning underground air raid shelters into shopping malls

The League One side has also faced transfer embargos - the latest was imposed last month after it failed to settle an outstanding tax bill.

The protest was organised by campaign group Sell Before We Dai which says the club's future is under threat.

Fans previously expressed their dissatisfaction by throwing tennis balls on to the pitch to disrupt home games.

Campaign group spokesperson Nick Houlton said: "Reading FC is in a critical situation. We have had enough. We want him out. We want our club back."

The club has been approached for a comment.

On 12 October, Reading FC confirmed it had been approached by "several parties" interested in buying the club.

It said the approaches were being "assessed on their own merits to find the most suitable buyer to ensure a healthy future of the club".

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