COLCHESTER United fans who decide to boo when players take a knee before games to protest about racial inequality are not welcome at the club, chairman Robbie Cowling has said.

Before the kick-off of their win against Grimsby at the Jobserve Community Stadium on Saturday - the first game fans could attend for more than nine months - a small number of supporters were heard booing during the pre-game ritual.

The boos led to a raft of criticism in the media and goalscoring hero Callum Harriott posted to express his dismay at the actions of a small minority of fans.

Gazette:

  • Goalscorer Callum Harriott

Mr Cowling has since released a statement about the incident claiming the “ridiculous actions” of a few fans soured what should have a day for celebration.

“Callum Harriott described the purpose of the gesture perfectly to me, explaining that taking the knee dates back to early civil rights movements as a way of silently showing solidarity in support of political inequalities suffered by oppressed communities,” Mr Cowling said.

“Those that take the knee want to highlight all lives should be valued and should not be treated inhumanely or inferior to others just because of their race.

“It is undeniable black and other ethnic minority people are still the victims of racism, and the black footballers and staff at Colchester United feel they are in a position of privilege which has been fought for through the blood and sweat of their ancestors.

"A position that in 2020 the average black person is still not afforded.

“Those taking the knee, and supporting the taking of the knee, not only show their willingness to support the drive to eradicate racial oppression, but force it to be a talking point, even when it’s uncomfortable.

“Maybe those that booed on Saturday might now understand what this gesture means to our club and will at the very least remain silent during future games whilst the players continue to take the knee before each kick-off.

“Alternatively, they should just stay away from our club because anyone that still wants to boo now that I have explained the purpose and importance of the taking of the knee is not welcome at our club.”

Gazette:

  • Col Utd pre match knee. Picture: Steve Brading

Mr Cowling said he will refund supporters the value of their season permit if the taking of the knee had put them off attending games and has asked supporters for a show of support at future fixtures.

He added: “It would be disappointing if anyone does decide to boo again. Therefore, going forward I would like to make the actions of those fans who do boo the taking of the knee completely irrelevant.

“For every game where the players choose to take the knee, I would like all of our fans to join me in applauding this gesture to ensure our players know we fully support them.”