Reading FC fans' clown protest against football club owner

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Reading fans
Image caption,

Reading FC fans wore wigs and painted faces

Hundreds of Reading FC fans have donned clown outfits in a protest against the club's owner, Dai Yongge.

Supporters with painted faces and colourful wigs attended the 2-0 victory at home to Charlton Athletic earlier.

Some wore masks depicting the Chinese businessman as a clown and a 'joker' banner was unfurled inside the stadium.

The protest was organised by the campaign group Sell Before We Dai over what they regard as financial mismanagement of the club.

Image source, Matt Pipe
Image caption,

Some fans wore masks depicting the club's owner as a clown

In three seasons, Reading have gone from the Championship to near the foot of League One, had 16 points deducted and had transfer embargoes applied as the club failed to fulfil financial commitments.

In January, fans staged a pitch invasion, forcing the match against Port Vale to be abandoned.

The club has previously said Mr Dai is keen to sell and it has been contacted by "seven or eight bidders".

Image source, Fair Game UK
Image caption,

A banner was unfurled depicting the owner as a Joker playing card

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