League One table gets shake-up as Charlton and Leyton Orient rivals handed points penalty

Reading FC have received a second points deduction of the season for ongoing HMRC financial issues as the club fights against a second successive relegation, it has been confirmed.

The Berkshire outfit now sit 19th in League One, just two points ahead of Charlton Athletic as the punishment comes in with 'immediate effect'. Reading had already been docked four points this season and had fought their way up the table under Ruben Selles in recent weeks.

The news will be a relief to Nathan Jones and his side, who also have a game in hand on the Royals, but is nothing to celebrate for the sport as fans in Berkshire continue to plead that owner Dai Yongge sells the club. Should Charlton beat high-flying Derby County on their travels tonight, the club will rise above Reading and into 19th place in the table.

A statement from Reading said: "Reading Football Club can confirm an immediate two-point penalty has been applied as a result of persistent late payments to HMRC in 2023. This follows a decision of an EFL Disciplinary Commission yesterday.The club has also received a further suspended two-point penalty, which will be activated should there be any further late payments to HMRC or identified football creditors (EFL Regulations 52.6.1 to 52.6.3) this season.

"The points deduction will be applied to our Sky Bet League One total with immediate effect. Furthermore, Mr Dai has been ordered to pay a £100,000 fine payable within twenty-one days. Should this money not be received a further suspended fine of £100,000 will be activated, and an additional fine of £100,000 will be imposed if the money is not received within five weeks."

Reading are next in League One action against Carlisle United on Saturday. Both London League One clubs Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic have made the trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium in 2024, with the hosts drawing 1-1 with the Os and beating Charlton 2-0.

The EFL, which has demanded Yongge either sell or fund the club, had confirmed that there are 'interested parties' in completing a takeover of Reading. Last year, Mike Ashley's Frasers Group and Formula 1 team backer William Storey had both been linked with bids but news on those has since cooled.