READING eased past City to set up an FA Cup semi-final against holders Arsenal – but their big night was soured by what is understood to have been alleged racial abuse aimed at goal-scorer Garath McCleary.
The Royals ran out 3-0 winners in the quarter-final replay at the Madejski Stadium, with McCleary netting the second goal via a deflection.
The final whistle was met with scenes of jubilation from the home fans. A number poured onto the pitch to celebrate, while flares were also let off.
A fan had also made his way onto the pitch while the game was still being played – but it was an incident involving McCleary five minutes before half-time that proved a major talking point.
The Jamaica international went to collect the ball for a Reading corner and was seen to make a complaint to the assistant referee, with the Royals confirming in a short statement after the game that the matter had been passed on to the police.
It read: "An incident was reported to the match officials just before half-time, who in turn told Reading staff. A man was then arrested and ejected during the half-time interval."
Reading boss Steve Clarke said after the game that he was aware McCleary was "upset by something", although he had no further information at that time.
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