There was a commotion in the east stand at Madejski Stadium as stewards threw out two supporters during the first half of Reading’s 3-0 defeat.

It is believed they were ejected for using ‘foul and abusive language,’ though it appears they fellow fans believe they were harshly treated.

The incident has been widely discussed on social media and Royals fan Jon Keen tweeted: ‘Next time #readingfc say ‘back the boys and make some noise’ just remember how Y19 stewards reacted to someone who tried.’

One of the fans in question appeared to rally the Reading crowd by chanting and singing songs.

The atmosphere during the match was one of the best in recent months and Royals were drawing 0-0 at the time of the incident.

The supporter in question was then asked the leave the ground at half time, leading to a backlash from supporters.

A petition has now been set up by Louis Frain calling on the club to apologies to the ejected supporter, and hundreds have signed up.

It reads: “When Reading Football Club hosted Nottingham Forest at the Madjeski Stadium on Saturday, 28th February 2015, 2 gentleman were thrown out of the ground for supporting their team and singing encouraging songs to the players and fellow supporters, which is ironic because the club constantly encourages paying fans to undertake such actions.

“I propose the management of Reading FC issue an official apology to the fans and, more specifically, the people affected by the incident.”

Have you signed the petition? Go to www.change.org/p/reading-football-club-apologise-for-the-poor-steward-behaviour.