The events that unfolded in Forbury Gardens on Saturday 20th June shocked and saddened all of us here at Reading City Football Club, this was an atrocious attack which sent shockwaves through the whole community as six people were brutally attacked in our town’s back garden.

Forbury Gardens is a focal part of our community here in Reading and houses the iconic Maiwand Lion which has become a symbol following the terror attack as just like the Maiwand Lion which stands proudly in the centre of Forbury Gardens the community has continued to roar and remain strong. The Maiwand Lion is so iconic it forms part of our club badge.

Sadly we haven’t been able to pay our respects until now as the Football Association have only just permitted the return of non-league football in line with the Government’s guidance, Saturday sees us take on Camberley Town here in Reading in our first game since March. Ahead of Kick-Off players and officials from both sides will pause for a minute’s silence and Reading City Football Club officials and players will wear black armbands during the game.

Our thoughts remain with the family, friends and all those who knew James Furlong, Joe Ritchie and David Wails who tragically lost their lives in this atrocity, they’ll never be forgotten.

Our thoughts are also with all those affected by this incident including the brave emergency services who ran towards danger whilst others ran away.