Czech international midfielder Marek Matejovsky was sent off by referee Mark Clattenburg when he collected a second yellow card for a trip on Jason Roberts.
In addition to dismissing Matejovsky, Clattenburg booked seven other players, a remarkable total in a game that was never as unpleasant as the tally suggests.
The result was a small step forward in Reading's attempt to pull clear of relegation and a step backwards in Blackburn's hopes of gaining a UEFA Cup place.
Despite their ten men, Reading could have snatched a winner seven minutes from time. Shane Long fired in a right-wing cross and with the goal at his mercy Stephen Hunt completely miskicked.
With two minutes to go Blackburn also came close to the winner with Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann making a point-blank save from Roque Santa Cruz.
A draw was probably the right result, as neither side was ever able to establish a real advantage over the other.
During a mediocre first half, chances were few and far between. After just three minutes Ivar Ingimarsson headed Hunt's corner wide of the upright.
Hunt was involved again when Andre Ooijer blocked a John Oster cross in the goalmouth. The ball ran loose but Hunt, at full stretch, prodded it wide.
Morten Gamst Pedersen set up Roberts for a Blackburn chance, but his header struck Ingimarsson on the shoulder and ballooned comfortably into the arms of Hahnemann.
Blackburn's Ryan Nelsen was lucky to escape a booking when he pulled Kevin Doyle to the ground. Referee Clattenburg just gave him a long lecture.
But six minutes before the break Nelsen was booked after a bizarre incident in the Reading goalmouth. As Hahnemann prepared to throw the ball clear Nelsen pushed him from behind and dislodged it.
Hahnemann then had to tackle Nelsen to win it back and also picked up a yellow card, which clearly mystified the Reading players.
Nelsen's was the first of five bookings for Blackburn, with Stephen Warnock, Roberts, Steven Reid and Zurab Khizanishvili all having their names taken as well, in addition to Hahnemann and full-back Nicky Shorey for the Royals.
The story was similar after the break, with neither side able to get on top and chances scarce.
England international David Bentley drew a fine save from Hahnemann and for Reading, Hunt fired one effort high over the bar and another one wide.