COLCHESTER United general manager Tim Waddington has praised the club's fans after a total of more than £65,000 was raised at their Game for Ukraine.

With a crowd of 6,140 attending the U's game with Forest Green Rovers at the JobServe Community Stadium last night, a total of £61,400 was raised in ticket revenue.

Every penny of the £10 per person ticket price will be donated to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, via the British Red Cross.

In addition, a JustGiving page was set up after supporters who couldn't attend the game wanted to contribute and help contribute to the Appeal, via the British Red Cross.

As at this lunchtime, the JustGiving page stood at £4,906.

Colchester were beaten 1-0 in the game, which was screened live on Sky Sports.

Waddington told the U's website: "We want to thank every one of the supporters who attended the game, and to those that couldn't come along but have donated via the JustGiving page.

Gazette:

"It's still so difficult to comprehend what the Ukrainian people are going through as they are forced to flee their homes and their country.

"The Chairman wanted to do something to help, everyone at Colchester United was right behind him and it was great to see the people of Colchester and beyond supporting us.

"Hopefully, this can be the start of something that can really make a difference to those people suffering that hardship."

The ColUGameForUkraine page will remain open until April 10, for further donations.