Ipswich Town manager George Burley has described as "unfortunate" an incident involving his players and a stripper at a Christmas party in Colchester.

Tracey Forge claimed members of the Blues squad "behaved like animals" on a night out at Fred's Bar.

The 31-year-old dancer said they ripped her dress and threw beer over her during the bash on East Hill.

Ms Forge, who received £500 compensation after complaining to Ipswich, said some of the players were rude and drunk.

Former Colchester United boss Burley said: "I was made aware an incident had taken place during which one of the dancer's costumes was damaged.

"This was an unfortunate incident, one that I will not tolerate, and the players involved were disciplined at the time.

"The players who attended the event paid compensation for the damage to the dancer's costume and the distress caused."

Not all of the Ipswich squad was present at the event, which had been organised, booked and paid for by the players. Neither were any of the coaching staff

Published Monday August 12, 2002

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