Reading captain Liam Moore said Royals must accept all the criticism that comes their way following the shocking 4-1 home defeat to Fulham on Tuesday night, writes Courtney Friday.

Jose Gomes’ side were punished for poor defending and an early red card for star playmaker John Swift as Scott Parker’s team brushed them aside.

Reading did claw a goal back late in the game but the damage was already done following braces from Tom Cairney and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Furious fans suggested it was time for Portuguese manager Gomes to depart following a lacklustre run of results following just two wins in 10 league games this season.

But Moore stressed: “You need thick skin in this game.

“When you’re losing, everything gets questioned. That’s the game we’re involved in.

“When you’re winning games everyone is the best player and the manager is the messiah but that’s how football is.

“Whatever information we’re given whatever formation we play we try to the best of our ability. It’s not coming off right now so we cannot stand here and pretend everything is rosy. We’re not doing well enough as a group or individuals.

“We have to take whatever criticism comes our way whether it’s towards us or towards the manager and try to improve.”

Reading’s lacklustre defence was picked apart early on when Cairney was gifted time and space on the edge of the box to pick out the top corner.

Swift’s red card followed moments later before Mitrovic twice found himself free inside the box to pile the pressure on Gomes.

And despite an improved performance in the second period, Royals were punished again when skipper Moore’s mistimed back pass eventually made its way to Cairney who lobbed the defence from range.

Reflecting on the game, Moore added: “It was a movement for the first goal that we knew they were going to try and do.

“I can see why the referee gave Swift’s first yellow card. We were pumped for the game and we wanted to get in their faces. In today’s law it’s a yellow but I thought he was unlucky with the second.

“I felt the ball was bouncing and he wanted to poke it away with his toe but he’s slipped on the greasy surface and it’s looked like he’s hit him high. The referee said he knew he slipped but that he had to give it.

“The first half was really disappointing and obviously I’m disappointed with the part I played in conceding the fourth goal.

“As a team I’m proud of the lads’ response second half. Now we need to try and put things right as quickly as possible.”

Reading face Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon (3pm).