Chelmsford City manager Gary Bellamy has lashed out at what he called a minority of mindless morons and so-called club fans who almost ruined Saturday's prestigious pre-season friendly match against a Manch-ester United XI.

Rude and obscene chanting at the young United stars during the game played at Billericay Town's ground -- City's temporary home -- spoilt what should have been one of the biggest days in the club's history.

"They are numbskulls and a disgrace, because their behaviour was totally unacceptable," he said.

"They are just a small group of so-called supporters and they know who they are. What they did was disgraceful.

"We had a big, family orientated crowd of 1,512 with the right atmosphere and a chance for everyone to relax and enjoy the wonderful occasion against probably the biggest football club in the world

"It was a great PR opportunity too for the club and I would have hoped that, as a result of the day, we would have encouraged probably at least a couple of hundred of those spectators, who never come to a City game, to come back and have another taste of what we can offer.

"But because of the stupid behaviour of a small group, I doubt whether they would want to bring their kids along and listen to such obscenities. There is no place for that at the club, which is on the brink of a new era with the hoped for £3 million new stadium.

"Everyone at the club conducts themselves professionally both on and off the pitch and all are playing their part in seeing the club progress, which is what everyone wants.

"My message to this minority is 'Don't be so stupid and ruin everything for everyone else -- grow up.' "

City lost 3-1 but won high praise from United officials for their attractive football and also for their hospitality and organisation of the day.

"We did ourselves credit on the field and the only black spot of the whole event was the behaviour of this mindless minority," said Bellamy.

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