Reading legend Dave Kitson labelled some players 'embarrassing' after collapsing to the floor following a 1-1 draw with rivals Oxford United.

The iconic striker played almost 200 times for the Royals during a golden period in which the club reached the Premier League for the first time.

He ended his career with a brief spell at the Kassam Stadium under Chris Wilder, but did not leave on good terms with the supporters.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire after the match, the Reading Chronicle columnist slammed the players and fan protests against owner Dai Yongge.

"I’m not sure that four Reading lads lying on their backs at the end, pretending that they put a shift in, was warranted. I thought it was embarrassing and just symptomatic of what is wrong with the club," he told former captain Ady Williams. "People pretending that they’re doing something and not doing anything. I’m embarrassed to watch it. Toothless. It’s Academy football. Pass it and look nice and pretty but it’s spineless and goes nowhere."

Fans have thrown tennis balls onto the field of play consistently this season in protest against Yongge, and did so after Sam Smith equalised on the stroke of half-time in the Thames Valley Derby.

"I do feel for the supporters. There is one thing I will say, knock this tennis ball crap on the head. The point has been made and all you’re doing is disrupting these kids who are trying to start their careers and play."

You can read Kitson's exclusive column in tomorrow's edition of the Reading Chronicle, or on the website from Friday.