A Reading FC supporters group has urged fans to get behind defender Jeriel Dorsett after there were ironic cheers by some sections of the crowd following a difficult start to the season.
Club 1871 issued a statement after Saturday’s victory, saying it did not want “ironic cheers” aimed at players to overshadow the result.
Dorsett played his part with a much improved second-half display at left-back to help the Royals to an outstanding 5-0 victory over Mansfield on Wednesday night as the team collected their first victory of the League One campaign.
The group, which is based in the South Stand at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, said Dorsett had endured a tough start to the campaign but called on supporters to continue backing the team.
“That’s not what we set up 1871 for,” the group said.
It added: “Dorsett has had a tough start in these games but we gotta get behind the players.”
Club 1871 asked fans in the South Stand, particularly those around the drummer, to “lead by example” and drown out negativity.
The statement continued: “Saturday we go again, let’s get back to supporting the team and driving them on to victory.
“This is OUR club and we need to support them through the good and bad as we have seen over the years.”
The group ended its message with a show of support for the Reading defender, saying: “Jeriel Dorsett. He’s one of our own.”
