Reading captain Liam Moore has claimed teammate John Swift was shown a second yellow card against Fulham despite the referee realising that he had slipped while making the challenge.

Swift was dismissed in the 20th minute with Fulham leading the match 1-0 after the midfielder received two yellow cards for late challenges on Bobby Decordova-Reid and then Denis Odoi.

Aleksandar Mitrovic then scored a quick-fire double soon after to make it 3-0 before the half-hour mark, while Tom Cairney scored in the second half to add to his opening strike which had initially put the Cottagers ahead.

The defeat means Reading have now lost four of their last five matches to see them drop down to 20th in the table, with Swift's first-half dismissal turning out to be very costly for Jose Gomes' side.

However, Moore has now claimed that referee Andy Woolmer knew Swift had not intended to catch Odoi in the incident leading to his second booking, but Woolmer later told the players he had no choice but to dismiss Swift.

Reading-based journalist Courtney Friday reported Moore's comments via his Twitter account on Wednesday morning:

Swift had started all 10 of Reading's league matches this season prior to his dismissal against the Cottagers, but the 24-year-old now faces a suspension for the Royals' next match against Bristol City.

The Verdict

Reading must consider themselves unfortunate to have been reduced to 10 men following the emergence of this revelation, as it was a situation that could have been avoided had Swift maintained his balance.

Instead, the slip cost Reading the match and will have dealt Gomes' side a significant knock in confidence given the nature of the defeat which saw Fulham run riot against the Royals.

The result will have also had a considerable impact on Swift as he will undoubtedly feel responsible for the defeat, despite the accidental nature of his second foul which saw him red carded.

Reading now face an important trip to face Bristol City on the weekend and the result will have a major bearing on the mood at the Madejski Stadium heading into the international break.

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