Reading FC fans have reacted strongly on social media after the club revealed their new front of shirt sponsor for next season.
The Royals’ new kits will feature gambling company ‘Mr Vegas’ as their front of shirt sponsor, taking over from Select Car Leasing, who remain as the club’s principal partner and feature on the back of the shirt.
Reading FC CEO Joe Jacobson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mr Vegas to Reading FC as our new front-of-shirt sponsor. From our earliest conversations, it was clear they shared our ambition to do things differently. Mr Vegas has shown a genuine enthusiasm for working collaboratively with us and we’re looking forward to delivering a number of exciting initiatives.”
However, the announcement has been met with criticism from a large number of fans.
One fan said: “How can Joe say we are a club who “does things differently” and gets a poisonous industry as a sponsor that has actively ruined lives for years. Disgraceful choice but glad you’ve lined the pockets i guess… morals over money is always better .”
Another added: “Morally its a poor choice. Unfortunately money talks especially woth our current owners. Be interesting to see what they do with kids shirts and if they offer the adult shirts without the sponsor, many other clubs do. Cant recall what the club did when we had Casumo.
One more said: “It’s a big no for me. No to gambling/gaming companies across the board.
“These companies thrive on making money out of those who are potentially vulnerable & ruining lives
“Shameful the club are jumping into bed with such companies, club record partnership or not.
However, one fan said: “Great news. Financial income in, squad development as a result.
“Don’t think by having this on the shirt it will make a blind bit of moral difference with a Corals on every high street. Stop moaning.
Another argued: “It doesn’t matter the sponsor on our shirt, if it brings in more money, then so be it. A football club can only run on morality alone, for so long. Football, as is our club, is a business, this is good business for the club, very glad SCL are still involved.”
