COLCHESTER United boss Danny Cowley says he has been left feeling proud after fans showed their support for striker Samson Tovide.

U’s supporters made a banner backing Tovide, following the alleged incident of racist abuse that occurred during the 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley, on August 31.

An investigation is ongoing into the racism allegation that occurred in the final stages of the League Two clash at the Wham Stadium, with both Colchester and Accrington working closely with Lancashire Police.

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The police are continuing to liaise with both clubs after an alleged racist remark from the home crowd was aimed towards Tovide.

Colchester fans have given their backing to their striker both on and off the pitch and head coach Cowley says he was delighted to see the support.

He said: “The banner that the supporters made was amazing.

“It was so good and I was so proud to be associated with this club and the fact that people just went out their way to support Samson.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

“The PFA have also been amazing, really good.

“The EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) guys came in and really supported Samson, as have the players.

“Even in the toughest and most disappointing situation, there have been some real positives that have come out of it with the way some people both in the club and outside of it have rallied around Samson and he’s really felt the love.”

 

Tovide has thanked U's fans for their support, on social media.

He said: 'Just wanna say thank you to all to everyone around the club from staff to the fans your support has been amazing especially after what happened last week I appreciate you guys heavily God bless you all'

In a statement issued earlier this month, Colchester chairman Robbie Cowling said he and his Accrington counterpart Andy Holt are ‘absolutely committed to enforcing the strictest penalties available’ on anyone found guilty of using racist language or behaviour.

Mr Cowling said: "This morning, I spoke with Andy Holt, and we are in complete agreement on the deeply troubling issue of racism.

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"Both of our clubs acknowledge that racism continues to be a significant problem in society, and we are fully aware of our responsibility to combat it wherever it appears within our organisations.

"We are both absolutely committed to enforcing the strictest penalties available if anyone is found to be engaging in racist language or behaviour.

"Regarding an incident that occurred at the conclusion of Saturday's match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, both clubs have agreed to collaborate closely and offer full support to the Police as they continue their ongoing investigation.

"I don’t plan to make any further comments on this incident whilst the police continue their ongoing investigation."