Col U fans have spoken of their shame and concern after confirming they heard racist abuse being directed at a Southend United player in the Essex derby at the weekend.
Blues midfield dynamo Alan McCormack spoke after his side's 1-0 victory at the Weston Homes Community Stadium that team-mate Franck Moussa, who scored the only goal, was subjected to racist taunts by the home crowd.
Home supporters have now stepped forward and admitted they heard the abuse as well and have condemned the actions of a minority of supporters.
One fan, who wished to remain anonymous, told Colchester's local paper, the Gazette: "It is with shame and anger that I can confirm a small section of home fans on the North Stand were making racist chants and gestures towards Southend United players. What I found really shameful was that although I was around ten metres from the fans, some matchday stewards were far closer and a small number of police officers were not much further away."
He continued on the most unpleasant part of the afternoon: "The main incident took place in the mid point of the second half. I initially dismissed the monkey chants as some new chant that some fans were using but, just to ensure that it couldn't be misinterpreted, one lad stood up and did a crude impersonation of a monkey. I found this deeply concerning - the willingness to ignore what was clearly going on right in front of the stewards and police - especially as I had paid to watch the game."
Many other fans have come forward on internet message boards to say they heard racist abuse as well.
Macca said he and his team-mates received 'no respect at all' and added there was a 'nasty crowd there'. During the game Blues skipper Adam Barrett had a ball thrown directly into his face, again no action taken.
Months of being wound up by Shrimpers had obviously taken it's toll on a few Farmers but having been to every away game bar three I have never heard any racist abuse at any other ground. Most teams of course now have many black players in their side with the Blues more than some.
Watching gestures on the bus back to the station made by the home support were interesting to say the least and I hear there were 'incidents' at the main line station itself.
Never have I heard 'Stand Up if you hate Col U' sung with such meaning as at Roots Hall on Tuesday night, by many usually passive fans in the West Stand.
The next fixture between the two Essex rivals will cause concern in some quarters.
A Colchester United spokesman said: "As yet, Colchester United have not heard anything from Southend United on this matter. However, we would like to reiterate what was said in the statement issued yesterday. Colchester United does not condone racist abuse in any form."
TLG would like to add that the North Essex side are an active participant in the Kick Racism Out of Football campaign, and have been for a number of years.
However it obviously needs to have a word with the people who are meant to be stewarding the fans. Making sure everyone sits down is sometimes not enough!