Colchester United want to create a safe standing area at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The U’s want to speak to the Football Licensing Authority, along with a number of other regulatory bodies, with a view to introducing a standing provision for their fans.

If successful, Colchester United would become the first in the country to be granted such standing permission for a stadium built within the last decade.

The move comes following complaints made by Colchester supporters who were thrown out of the ground for persistent standing during Monday’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Five U’s fans claim they were unfairly kicked out of the stadium for not sitting in their seats, during their side’s 1-0 defeat.

They said they had done it in protest at being forced to make way for Leeds United supporters the previous week, who they claim stood throughout.

However, Colchester have been forced to obey with strict ground regulations, which apply to all Football League clubs.

The U’s have been warned by the Football Licensing Authority and the Stadium Safety Advisory Group that their capacity could be slashed in future, if fans continue to persistently stand up.

Colchester United chief executive Steve Bradshaw said the club will respect whichever decision is made by the authorities.

He said: “In this week of all weeks, with it being the 20th anniversary of Hillsborough, the safety of all supporters will continue to be a priority for us.

“And while we will enquire about a safe standing area, we will abide by any decision the national regulators make.

“Our aim is for every attendee, whether supporting the U’s or the visitors, has an enjoyable experience here and we will continually monitor all aspects of operations.”

The U’s said they had to eject the supporters on Monday, in order to meet the national licensing regulations for football grounds.

Persistent standing by fans throughout this season has driven up the cost of stewarding at the stadium, the club have revealed.

And they are worried that if it continues, their capacity could be reduced.