The English Football League's decision to hand Reading a suspended points deduction for the abandonment of the Port Vale fixture has been labelled 'proportionate' and 'fair' by fan group Sell Before We Dai.

Thousands of supporters invaded the pitch in 16 minutes against the Valiants, with the fixture eventually called off after an hour.

Andy Crosby's side will return to Berkshire next month for the rescheduled tie, and the Royals will be hit with a three-point deduction if another match is impacted by protests before the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Nick Houlton, a spokesperson for the protest group, said: "The latest ruling from the EFL is proportionate, fair and both they and the relevant staff at Reading Football Club deserve credit for reaching an agreed decision so promptly. 

"Rather than unduly punishing a passionate fanbase, it is clear that they are more aligned with the views of Damian Green MP that 'the only hooligan associated with Reading Football Club is Dai Yongge'.

"Furthermore, the newest range of charges issued to Mr Dai Yongge are another step in the right direction in terms of punishing the perpetrators of financial mismanagement at football clubs, not the staff, fans and players. 

"However, charges are nothing without action. Mr Dai has now been in default for nearly four months, meaning the EFL - like Reading’s staff, players and several suppliers - now have first-hand experience of just how little regard Mr Dai has for his financial obligations. 

"You cannot just expect him to act in the best interests of the Club and League, he must be forced to. We urge the EFL and Independent Disciplinary Commission to keep the pressure on and rest assured, we will be doing the same. 

"Lastly, we also welcome the ruling to reasonably compensate Port Vale, whose fans were overwhelmingly supportive and a credit to their club. We thank them again for their understanding and look forward to welcoming them back to the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the rearranged fixture."

Owner Dai Yongge has been charged by the EFL for bringing the club into 'disrepute' and will be served with another punishment by an independent panel.

His £80,000 fine remains unpaid.