COLCHESTER United say they will work with Accrington Stanley after racist language allegedly aimed at Samson Tovide was reported during this afternoon's EFL game between the two clubs.

The alleged racist remark was heard in the closing stages of the League Two match at the Wham Stadium, with a lengthy pause towards the end of the contest as it was reported to the officials. 

The alleged incident happened prior to an Accrington corner, prompting the game to be halted and young striker Tovide to walk towards the touchline, visibly upset.

 

Colchester have issued a club statement condemning any form of racism, while Accrington Stanley have stated they will not tolerate instances of discriminatory or prejudiced behaviour.

Colchester boss Danny Cowley said: “There were two incidents – Samson didn’t report the first one but he reported the second.

“Someone in the crowd made a racist remark.

“As a white person in this country, I feel embarrassed and ashamed that we’re in the 21st century and this is still happening.

 

“I’m not blaming Accrington Stanley as a football club.

“Unfortunately, this is an issue in our society and you’ll get idiots, I accept that.

“But once the crowd had realised what had happened, for them to still to keep going the way they did was not right and it shouldn’t happen."

Cowley added that he felt for his young striker Tovide, who has been the victim of racist abuse in the past.

 

“It’s not the first time it’s happened to Samson, I think that’s the truth," added Cowley.

“He’s had some stuff on social media which is clearly unacceptable and I feel embarrassed and I feel ashamed because this is just not right.

“It can’t happen and we can’t accept this.

“Credit to the referee (Tom Reeves) and credit to the security people at Accrington.

“They came over and they dealt with the incident and this is all we can do.

“My heart is with Samson and it’s not something that we want to see, in football stadiums."