Reading fans storm the pitch to confront manager Veljko Paunovic after Coventry defeat… as the Royals now sit two points above relegation zone after a seventh consecutive defeat in the Championship
- Reading suffered a 3-2 defeat to Coventry to make it seven straight defeats
- The Royals are now just two points above the Championship relegation zone
- Boss Veljko Paunovic praised the fans despite them protesting against him
Reading fans stormed onto the pitch in protest after a 3-2 defeat to Coventry, which leaves them just two points above the Championship relegation zone.
The Royals have suffered seven consecutive defeats in the league and supporters were keen to make their feelings known after the match.
Hundreds of Royals supporters also took part in a protest against the off-field running of the club before the game, but banners and chanting.
Reading supporters storm the pitch after suffering a seventh consecutive league defeat
Royals fans were keen to protest against boss Veljko Paunovic for the club’s recent fortunes
But the big drama came moments after the final whistle, when fans stormed onto the pitch in an attempt to confront manager Veljko Paunovic in the technical area on the club’s 150th anniversary game.
The fans chanted: ‘We want Pauno out’ and ‘We want our Reading back’.
And some displayed a banner that read: ‘150 years history but how many more?’
Reading fans confronted the technical area of boss Paunovic at the Madjeski Stadium
Lucas Joao headed home in the 23rd minute to give Reading the lead but Coventry levelled in first-half stoppage time through Dominic Hyam.
Defender Michael Rose nodded City in front early in the second period but Reading equalised through full-back Andy Yiadom.
Home winger Junior Hoilett was sent off in the 63rd minute for a second bookable offence and, two minutes later, an Ian Maatsen effort deflected in for what proved to be the Coventry winner.
Under-fire boss Paunovic, however, praised his club’s fans despite their protests.
‘The fans were fantastic today,’ Paunovic said. ‘We want to thank them for coming here in such a massive number.
‘That was very helpful for the team, especially as the things developed later.’
Under-fire boss Veljko Paunovic was keen to praise Royals fans despite their protests against him
Asked about the pre and post-match protests, Paunovic added: ‘I prefer to not to really comment on it. But the whole year has been difficult for the club.
‘It has been very frustrating for the fans and we share that with them. But everyone has a right to express their opinion.
‘We mustn’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to regroup and move forward.’