Reading manager Leam Richardson has heavily criticised Bolton Wanderers attacker Johnny Kenny following a serious injury to defender Paudie O’Connor.
The two sides met last night in a crucial clash at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The Royals were hoping to maintain their pursuit on the play-off positions, whilst the visitors knew a victory would keep their automatic promotion hopes alive.
It was the home side who took a first half lead through the in-form Jack Marriott. They looked to be on course to pick up a huge win before Mason Burstow’s effort deep into added time saw each team pick up a point.
Kenny Challenge Under Spotlight
The result paled into significance when Reading defender O’Connor was withdrawn in the second half. The former Lincoln City man required stitches after a challenge from Bolton loanee Kenny after receiving a kick to the face, which also saw him lose a tooth.
The pair were jostling for the ball just after the hour mark when the centre back hit the deck. Kenny then connected with his opponent’s face, prompting the referee to give the foul. However, the striker failed to pick up a card.
Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire after the game, manager Richardson was scathing in his assessment of the challenge:
“It’s a terrible [challenge], it’s an absolute terrible one, [a] disgusting one.
“He’s getting stitched as we speak now, his teeth have suffered, you can see through his mouth.”
You’ll never guess what the Reading players are looking for 😳#ReadingFC pic.twitter.com/S8z3VhqI9F
— The Deck (@TheDeckEFL) February 18, 2026
Should Kenny Have Seen Red?
It would be harsh to 22-year-old deliberately kicked O’Connor in the face. However, it wouldn’t have been surprising if the referee had branded a red card.
What is surprising is that the challenge was only punished with a foul, and it would have been easy to spot the severity of the situation by taking one look at the defender immediately after. For that, Richardson can feel rightly aggrieved.
Had Kenny been sent for an early bath, Reading would have had a goal lead and an extra man on the field for the final half hour or so, and could well have gone on to win the game. This would have seen them move level on points with sixth-placed Huddersfield Town in that final play-off position, whilst also possessing a game in hand.
For Bolton, the point keeps their slim hopes of catching Lincoln City alive. However, with the Imps picking up a 4-0 win over Northampton Town, the gap is now up to eight points.