Colchester United have revealed how the club took steps to prevent Millwall fans from purchasing seats in areas of the ground reserved for home supporters for Tuesday's Second Division game at Layer Road.

U's chief executive Marie Partner said: "A number of the Lions fans bought tickets on line through the internet, but wherever possible the club blocked their attempts.

"Those supporters with London addresses were automatically stopped, but it was impossible to prevent the fans with addresses elsewhere in Essex from buying tickets."

She added: "The police were aware of the problem and were ready to act if there had been any trouble in and around the ground."

A number of Millwall fans did succeed in gaining seats in the home area of the main stand, but the game passed off without any problems.

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