PRESTON North End chiefs have lodged an official complaint about the behaviour of the Reading players before last weekend's match.

Following the unsporting behaviour, the Citizen's Tom Parker tried to get an explanation from Reading manager Alan Pardew about his players' pre-match tactics.

Pardew replied: "I didn't see it."

At that point, Pardew's chairman arrived on the scene, commenting: "He's a nice man, really he is."

The duo refused to comment on the incident when further pressed on the subject.

Tom commented: "It was the most disgraceful performance of unsporting behaviour that I have seen at any football ground.

"The police have video evidence of the incident and it will be interesting to see if they intend to pursue the matter."

Inspector Andrew Baxter, who overlooked the match security on Saturday, said: "The incident regarding the behaviour of the Reading players was basically an exercise in one-upmanship.

"Eventually the players did move from the Town End, but by that time the Preston fans were already agitated.

"It's not very good sportsmanship - it unnerved the Preston players and the fans.

"We will be making moves to make sure this type of behaviour does not happen again."

Blackpool police were informed of Reading's behaviour and they were instructed to arrest players if they started training in Blackpool's half of the pitch on Tuesday night.

Their players behaved impeccably and beat the seasiders 2-0.

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