READING supporters left a hidden X-rated message in their response to the EFL’s latest points deduction, according to eagle-eyed fans.
The Royals were hit with their third points penalty of the season on Tuesday.
After failing to pay HMRC on time for 100 days, the League One side have been docked three points.
The penalty leaves Reading just three points above the relegation zone in 19th place.
In response, supporter group Sell Before We Dai have penned an open letter to the EFL.
However, can you spot their X-rated hidden message in the statement?
The letter reads: “It is clear that Reading’s issues are entirely down to Dai Yongge, so obviously it makes complete sense to punish the fans, staff and players of Reading Football Club with further sporting sanctions – especially for an infringement that provides no sporting advantage.
“Given the ongoing sales talks at Reading, the timing of today’s punishment is spectacular. Imposing a points penalty which increases our chances of relegation and therefore decreases the prospect of our club being sold is completely misguided.
“The EFL claims to be on the side of the fans, instead – yet again – they disproportionately punish those who care the most over those who care the least.
“To quote EFL Chairman Ricky Parry in The Athletic last month ‘Fining Dai Yongge is of no use at all’, so the EFL’s decision to fine Dai Yongge £100,000 is another example of the league’s clear and coherent leadership.
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“They will not receive a penny from Dai Yongge, they have already taken our points and they wanted to take more. The fans, players and employees of Reading Football Club deserve better.
“For Reading Football Club this will be the 18th point deducted by the EFL. While we understand that the league has a responsibility to its members and Dai Yongge is clearly running the club with impunity, no club in the EFL is asking for another club killed.
“The message being sent is that the league cares more about its rulebook than the health and history of the football clubs that play in it.
“It is increasingly clear that an effective, empowered and independent regulator is needed more than ever.
“Ending on a positive note, we must now adopt the siege mentality that so many football clubs have been forced to take.
“Our players will fight to keep us in this league. Our fans will roar them on. Our backroom staff will keep the lights on.
“There will be some chat about tennis balls and pitch invasions, but unlike the EFL, we don’t believe points deductions solve anything.
“The London protest planning is back on. Until then, our most effective form of protest will be filling the stadium, filling away ends and filling the players, coaches and staff with the belief that The Great Escape is on and every little thing is gonna be alright.”
Fans quickly spotted a row of lines partway through the statement where the first letter of each line spelled out: “F*** the EFL.”
Reacting on X, one rival supporter wrote: “*Applauds*.”
Another added: “Outstanding.”
A third fan also commented: “That’s brilliant.”
Reading fans have been vocal in their protests against owner Dai Yongge throughout the campaign.
The club have been plunged into financial woes during the controversial owner’s tenure.
Protests have included throwing tennis balls onto the pitch at home matches.
Meanwhile, their league clash with Port Vale in January was abandoned after fans invaded the pitch.
