Tue 01 May, 05:53 AM

LONDON (Reuters) - Reading mascot Kingsley -- a giant lion who wears the club's blue and white hooped shirt -- was sent off by the referee in their Premier League match against Newcastle United on Monday because he was confusing him.

"I can see where the referee was getting confused, you know he does look like so many of my players  ," manager Steve Coppell told Sky Sports with a grin.

The mascot's dismissal from the side of the pitch before halftime did not appear to hurt the team's luck as they still won 1-0.

It was unclear whether he would miss the next match through suspension.

And Reading's mascot Kingsley the lion, got a little too close to the pitch while roaring his team on and was quickly spoken to by referee Mike Riley.

Riley requested Kingsley moved away from the touchline to behind the goal as his blue and white strip was causing the official to get him confused with some of the Reading players  .

Kingsley was clearly in contravention of the 'no predators on the pitch rule', which seemed to be in place at that time judging by the limp forward lines.

what a joke when the referee cant tell a difference between a human and a lion. But in truth, it is against FIFA rule to have another person to wear the same jersey color with players on the pitch. it happened to me once while photographing a TM Liga Malaysia match. I'm wearing a shirt with same color as the home team. so the referee ask me to wear a vest that is different in color. it'll confuse them especially in situation where the match officials need to make a quick decision.

so what mike riley did was within FIFA rules.

Steve Coppell insists he will select his reserves for Uefa Cup duty if Reading qualify for Europe next season.

Reading's European hopes were boosted with Monday's 1-0 win over Newcastle, but Coppell says his priority would be to stay in the top flight.

The Royals boss said: "It wouldn't be a problem getting into the Uefa Cup because I'd probably play the reserves.

"I've said all along my reasons for not thinking it would be a good time for Europe but if it happens, it happens."

Coppell played his second-string during Reading's FA Cup campaign this season and said he would not do anything to put their top flight status at risk.

"We've prioritised it massively this season, I make no bones about that, and we would prioritise it again," he said.

"As far as I'm concerned we have a European Cup final every weekend in the Premiership. That's how much it means to everyone at this club."

Meanwhile, Coppell believes left-back Nicky Shorey deserves international recognition after another impressive performance against Newcastle.

He said: "He's been terrific for us all season and I'm sure he'll soon be included in an England squad even if it's only so that they see what he can do. He has a very educated left foot.

"All Nicky can do is put in performances and he's been doing that consistently."

Where's Sidwell going to end up? 100% Newcastle?

Chelsea made a move for Sidwell for free.. Is Reading becoming another Wigan?

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=4...r+Blues+medical

Is Reading becoming another Wigan?

Reading have been granted permission to extend the capacity of the Madejski Stadium from 24,045 to 38,000.

The Royals submitted the plans earlier this year and they have now been approved by Reading Borough Council.

"This is great news and we are extremely pleased that the council have approved our plans," chief executive Nigel Howe told the club's website.

"It's very exciting for both the football club, our fans and the region as a whole."

Reading finished eighth in their first season in the Premiership, missing out on a Uefa Cup place by just one point.

And Howe added: "The expansion will allow us to take the club forward and further improve the facilities for our supporters as we aim to become an established force in the top flight.

"We will now consult with our contractors before deciding when construction will begin, and we will keep supporters fully informed at every stage."

STEVE COPPELL has revealed he is ready to quit Reading.

Coppell, who took over as boss in October 2003, reckons he has taken Royals as far as he can.

He admitted: "I'm looking very shortly at having some time off. My first stint at Crystal Palace was nine years, bits here and there and then Brentford, Brighton and four years here. I am probably due a break.

"I'd do what Paul Jewell has done, play a bit of golf, get out of the environment a bit and then try to re- educate. I'd love to go and watch all the top managers here and abroad."

Coppell, 52, took Reading into the top-flight two seasons ago for the first time.

They were eighth last term, just one point short of securing a UEFA Cup place. But this year they are struggling.

Coppell added: "I can't enjoy management. I work all week to win a game. If we win I have an unbelievable high for 20 minutes.

"But then it's thinking about the next game.

"If we are beaten it's a bottomless pit. It goes through my mind when I get beat, do I need this?"