HUNDREDS of football fans who had watched the U’s snatch a rare cup victory had their evenings ruined when they were locked in a car park for more than an hour after full time.

About 200 fans left their cars at the Colchester Park and Ride before the cup tie against Reading on Tuesday night, expecting the car park to be locked at 10.30pm.

The game finished at about 9.55pm because the Carabao Cup tie had gone to penalties, but by that time a member of Essex County Council staff had locked the gate to park and ride facility.

Frustrated – fans were helpless before one supporter is said to have used an implement to break the gate openFrustrated – fans were helpless before one supporter is said to have used an implement to break the gate open (Image: Public)

It meant both Reading and Colchester United fans were left waiting until 11pm before they could get home.

It is not understood how fans were able to get out of the car park, with some witnesses suggesting one of the gates had been forced open so people could get out.

When contacted by the Gazette, Essex County Council did not confirm how fans left the car park.

Stephen Collis, who had travelled from Maldon to watch the game, said one of the gates looked damaged when he left the car park by about 11pm.

He said: “I got back to the car park after the game and thought, ‘I can’t believe this’.

“I’m sure they smashed the gate open, and I can’t blame them – nobody from the council came to help.

“I had to wait for over an hour, because that is one of the biggest crowds I have seen for an August cup game for a long time.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “The Colchester Park and Ride site was due to remain open until 10.30pm, however, there appears to have been a breakdown in communication.

Win – the incident marred a win over Reading on penaltiesWin – the incident marred a win over Reading on penalties (Image: Steve Brading)

“We apologise for any upset or distress caused to customers at the site.

“Colchester Park and Ride has been supporting events at Colchester United’s stadium for many years and this has never happened before. New processes will be implemented to prevent this happening again.

“We will be refunding all customers who purchased their ticket using MiPermit.”