Reading are prepared to 'defend' today's EFL charges brought against them for paying wages late on three occasions, the Reading Chronicle understands.

Supporters were up in arms this morning after the EFL announced that they have charged the Royals with failing to pay players wages on time and in full 'on or around 31 October 2022, 30 November 2022 and 28 April 2023.'

The staff also went without full pay during this time.

However in a letter sent to staff members, which has been seen by the Reading Chronicle, CEO Dayong Pang has revealed that the club are 'prepared to defend' the charge.

"Myself and our owner, Mr Dai, were very disappointed to learn of the EFL charge which has been issued today, following the late payment of players’ wages – this is a charge we are prepared to defend," said one paragraph of said letter.

The club have been given until Thursday, June 29 to respond.

Further down in the letter, Pang also pledged that staff will be paid in full and on time this month 'and going forward.'

"I fully appreciate that - due to complex and unforeseen cashflow issues we are tackling - staff payroll has unfortunately been impacted on a couple of these occasions. This is unacceptable and I would like to personally reassure you that wages will be satisfied in full, as normal, come the end of this month and going forward."

Protests are being arranged by supporters after frustration built over the recent EFL decision.