FURIOUS reaction to failed takeover of Reading FC Women

A failed takeover bid at Reading FC Women has plunged the club's future into doubt - prompting a furious response from the wider community.

The bid is believed to have fallen apart at the eleventh hour yesterday (June 28).

The women's side has announced it is closing its youth academy.

Sell Before We Dai - a Reading FC fan group which promotes a sell-up of the club by owner Dai Yongge - slammed the move.

In a statement on Facebook, the group said: "The reported withdrawal of Reading FC Women from the Women's Championship and the closure of its academy is an absolute disgrace.

"This is the darkest day yet under the ownership of Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li.

"Reading Women's youth setup provided opportunity and community for women and girls across Berkshire and beyond. That has been cruelly snatched out of their hands.

"Only two years ago the Women's team was a stable WSL side. Those who have contributed to this downfall, through actions and non-actions, should hang their heads in shame.

However, we know this goes beyond just Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li.

"Today's news is an indictment of those who have failed to stop this from happening, from poorly managing the club to not getting a takeover of Reading FC done before this could happen."

Responses on X, formerly known as Twitter, were similarly negative.

BBC sports commentator Tim Dellor remarked: "What a terrible day for the club."

Tom Garry, who writes on women's football for The Guardian, said: "It's a horribly anxious day for everybody connected with Reading Women FC.

"Having been left 'totally in the dark' for weeks and weeks, today players & staff are expecting an update on the future of the women's & girls' programme. They should never have had to endure such stress."