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Match SUSPENDED as furious fans launch tennis balls onto the pitch in bitter protest

READING'S match with Burton had to be suspended after fans launched tennis balls onto the pitch.

The home supporters' latest protest saw hundreds of balls fly onto the pitch at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Leila Coker/Shutterstock (14130930h) Players leave the field after Reading fans throw tennis balls on the pitch. Reading v Burton Albion, EFL Sky Bet League One, Football, Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading, UK - 30 Sep 2023
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Reading's match against Burton was suspended on SaturdayCredit: REX
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Leila Coker/Shutterstock (14130930j) Stewards clear up tennis balls thrown on the pitch. Reading v Burton Albion, EFL Sky Bet League One, Football, Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading, UK - 30 Sep 2023
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Reading fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch in protestCredit: REX

It is the second time in as many home matches that fans have protested against owner Dai Yongge.

Stewards were forced to come onto the pitch to clear the balls, prompting referee Sam Purkiss to suspend the match.

Players from both sides headed down the tunnel whilst the protest was handled, with play only paused for a matter of minutes.

The two sides had been level at 0-0 at the time, with neither side able to find a breakthrough before the interval once the action resumed.

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Reading were plunged into further turmoil this week with the EFL placing them under yet another transfer embargo.

The Royals were also threatened with a further points deduction if they failed to pay their players on time.

Ruben Selles' side have already been docked four points this season, leaving the club in the League One relegation Zone.

Yongge is open to selling the club, though, in a potential boost to supporters.

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EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Leila Coker/Shutterstock (14130930i) Reading v Burton Albion, EFL Sky Bet League One, Football, Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading, UK - 30 Sep 2023
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Stewards and ground staff cleared the balls from the pitchCredit: REX

A announced: "The club continues to suffer significant cashflow issues.

"In striving to establish external investment, we can confirm there has been significant interest.

"Discussions and due diligence processes with a number of these potential investors continue apace.

"Our owner, Mr Dai, is openly inviting further credible offers of interest and declarations of intent from parties eager to pursue a potential sale of the club."

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Leila Coker/Shutterstock (14130930n) Reading fans protest against their owner. Reading v Burton Albion, EFL Sky Bet League One, Football, Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading, UK - 30 Sep 2023
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Supporters stepped up their protests against owner Dai YonggeCredit: REX
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