TWO football teams have confirmed they are assisting with police inquiries after two separate incidents involving a player and a fan at a match.
Essex Police said it is looking into reports a U’s player was pushed by a Notts County fan after the two sides met at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday.
“We are carrying out inquiries and liaising with both clubs regarding appropriate action,” a spokesman for the force said.
Officers are also investigating reports of racial abuse towards a fan at the stadium.
The U’s beat League Two opponents Notts County 5-4 after what head coach Ben Garner described as “an outstanding game”.
Colchester United said the squad's "fantastic win" had been "marred" by the two incidents.
A statement on the U's website said the two clubs "will assist Essex Police in the investigations".
It added: "Colchester United would like to make it clear that we will not tolerate any abuse, verbal or physical, and we will push for the strongest sanctions possible on any person found guilty of either."
A spokesman for Notts County confirmed the club is also aware of the incident involving one of its supporters.
PC Niki Howard, who is the force’s dedicated football officer for Colchester United, said it was an “eventful day on and off the pitch”.
“There were also some disappointing scenes at the away coaches with supporters from both teams forgetting how to behave,” PC Howard wrote on social media.
Reports of a Racially aggravated offence have been received after todays game and are being investigated.
— Colchester United FC Police (@CUFCPolice) September 30, 2023
There were also some disappointing scenes at the away coaches with supporters from both teams forgetting how to behave.
Essex Police asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which could assist its inquiries to come forward by visiting essex.police.uk/digital101 or by calling 101 quoting incident 396 of September 30.
Anonymous reports can be made by contacting Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
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