Colchester boss left 'embarrassed' after violence at Ipswich Town game
Robbie Cowling's written an open letter addressing the issues on Tuesday
Last updated 11th Aug 2022
Colchester United's owner has written an open letter after being left "embarrassed" by a few fans at their League Cup match with Ipswich Town.
Robbie Cowling says the day after the U's beat Ipswich in a competitive game at Portman Road for the first time since 1951 should've been one of pride - but it was marred by a few who failed to behave.
He went on to say: "Sadly, we are having to hang our head in shame today thanks to a group of fans in the Colchester United end that have embarrassed our club with their mindless violent behaviour.
"It wasn’t enough for them to spoil the occasion for everyone else by being ultra-abusive.
"They also sunk to a new low that I have not witnessed in my time at the club, whereby they destroyed some of the seating in the area Ipswich had allocated to our fans and threw the broken parts into the rows below them that were occupied by other Colchester United fans.
"These areas included families with very young children but that was of no concern for the mindless thugs that have shamed the club they claim to support.
"A number of Colchester United fans had to receive treatment for the injuries they sustained from the broken chairs that rained down on them.
"Some whilst they cowered to protect their young children."
The owner said he would be working very closely with Ipswich Town to identify those responsible and pass their details on to police.
He said he will assist in any way he can to ensure they are punished in full for their "unacceptable behaviour".
He finished the letter by saying: "I wish to apologise to everyone that was subjected to this appalling behaviour, and also to our hosts Ipswich Town who were gracious in defeat but rightfully upset with the behaviour of fans in our allocated area.
"We all hope that victories like last night’s historic win at Portman Road happen much more frequently than every seventy-one years, but I’m sure most Colchester United fans will never again want to be associated with last night’s appalling thugs.
"Therefore, if you can do anything to help us identify those involved so that we can distance them from our club, please do so."