Reading and Port Vale FC fans unite in red card protest against Dai Yongge

The protest took place in the 16th minute of Tuesday night's League One fixture

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

Port Vale FC fans joined in by holding up red cards, calling for tougher regulations on club owners, during their League One match on Tuesday.

Former Reading owner Sir John Madejski also joined the protest.

The original fixture between the two teams was abandoned in January after Reading fans invaded the pitch in protest against Mr Yongge.

The club previously said he was keen to sell and that it had been contacted by "seven or eight bidders".

Sell Before We Dai - a campaign group trying to force a change of ownership at the club - organised the protest.

In three seasons, Reading have gone from the Championship to near the foot of League One

Caroline Parker, Sell Before We Dai spokesperson, said: "You don't often see solidarity in English football - especially with two teams locked in a relegation battle - so we're especially grateful for the support and friendship between our two clubs."

Mark Porter, chair of Port Vale Supporters Club, added: "Football's ownership problem affects the entire footballing pyramid.

"You don't need VAR [video assistant referee] to see that it needs a red card."

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.

Following the previous match abandonment, Reading FC fans went on to donate £10,000 to a fundraiser for a statue of former Port Vale manager John Rudge as a thank you to the Staffordshire club's fans.

Former Reading owner Sir John Madejski also joined the protest

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