Reading played ‘on limit of the laws’ – Jokanovic

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic claimed Reading played “on the limit of the laws” in the play-off semi-final first leg at Craven Cottage – and insisted the Royals’ goal should not have stood.

Jordan Obita fired the visitors in front after they had won the ball in Fulham territory with some robust challenges.

Jokanovic felt one of them was a foul and also pointed to a possible handball, but he was pleased with the way his side responded as they equalised through Tom Cairney’s header.

“It can be a free-kick – they definitely touched the ball with a hand,” Jokanovic said.

“It was a physical, complicated game. Sometimes referees make mistakes – it was a costly mistake for us.”

Reading had lost 5-0 at Craven Cottage in December but looked determined from the outset not to be out-passed by the Whites, hounding ball carriers and putting in some strong tackles.

Captain Paul McShane was sent off 10 minutes from time for a knee-high challenge on Kevin McDonald.

“They put on the field a very strong and physical game,” he said.

“It’s on the limit of the laws, but they arrived with a clear plan. This plan was working for them for a good hour.

“After that we found a way to score the goal, and in total I believe we played better football than Reading, but everything is open – the chance [of progressing] is half and half.”