Reading midfielder Harvey Knibbs has backed fan protests providing they are done in a safe manner.

The popular midfielder missed four matches with injury but returned from the start on Saturday against Bolton Wanderers.

Hosting Huddersfield Town on Saturday, supporters are expected to hold up red cards to show their displeasure with owner Dai Yongge.

Last season, protests were a weekly occurrence and one match was even abandoned in January as supporters invaded the pitch and refused to move.

Speaking ahead of the visit from the Terriers, Knibbs said: "From my own perspective, when it’s a matchday I’m solely focused on the pitch and trying to help the team win.

"Fans have got the right to protest, and I hope they do it safely and however, they feel necessary. They deserve to have their voices heard.

"If it is going to be a short delay, it’s about coming out the other side and being ready."

This latest spell of frustration comes after Rob Couhig's takeover attempt failed, putting the club back into a search for a new buyer.

"A solution will help everyone- fans mainly," Knibbs added. "They have been supporting their club their whole life and they just want to know that their club has a solid future and foundation to build on and get behind. They have been fantastic for us, and we can’t thank them enough for turning up during all of this."